HVAC, (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), system is one of those systems in the home that requires regular maintenance.
Regular maintenance does more than just keep your HVAC system in good shape. It also ensures that you can spot the signs that tell you you’re AC unit is on its last legs and needs to be replaced.
Read on to know the most common signs to replace your old AC.
Signs to Replace Your Old AC Unit
Limited airflow
Changes in the performance of your AC unit is one common indicator that there’s a problem and the unit may need to be replaced.
Check to see if the air comes out cold a minute or two after you turn on the air. An AC unit that’s working properly usually starts producing cold air a few seconds after being turned on.
If it doesn’t come out after a few minutes or you are getting warm air even if you’re set your AC too cold, you need to get your unit looked at.
Aside from clogs in the pipes or ducts, worn parts could also be preventing your AC from producing cool air.
Strange sounds
An AC unit that works properly usually produces a low hum when turned on. However, unusual rumbling sounds when you turn it on or while the AC is running are signs that your AC unit has some issues that need fixing.
Grinding or squeaking sounds are also good causes to have your unit checked. Not sure if your AC is making normal or abnormal sounds? A good rule of thumb is to check if the noise is loud enough to draw attention to your unit.
AC units that work well usually produce noise at levels that are low enough to fade into the background. Anything louder than this is unusual.
Funny Smell
Also, watch out for strange smells. A working AC produces clean or neutral-smelling air. If your AC starts emitting air that faintly smells of mold or any other odor, turn it off and call your AC repair team.
Do the same especially if you smell burning or smoky smells. These are potentially hazardous issues that could mean your AC needs some major repairs or needs to be replaced.
Buildup of moisture
A functioning AC usually produces a small amount of moisture. However, if your AC is clearly leaking or when moisture is present in places where it wasn’t there before, you need to have a professional check it out to rule out a refrigerant leak.
Even if its just a water leak, you still need to get your AC checked and repaired since letting this issue persist can make your AC unit the ideal breeding place for mold.
Read More: Reasons why Air conditioning unit freezes.
Increased power bills
Energy bills that are higher than usual are another sign that your system could be working extra hard to get the job done. Higher power consumption is normal once the weather gets warmer but an unusual jump without any changes in how you use your AC is a good sign that something is wrong.
Older AC units tend to present with this problem when they start to break down which means it might be better to replace them with newer, more energy-efficient models.
Frequent breakdowns
Frequent breakdowns caused by overheating or some other reason are a good sign that your unit needs to be replaced.
This often indicates that some parts could be too worn or connections too damaged preventing the unit from operating continuously.
Frequent breakdowns can be costly especially if you are using the AC in your home office or business. A new replacement unit could be the solution if your AC breaks down frequently.
Age of your AC unit
Modern AC units typically last for 10 years. After that, you can expect to see some issues caused by years of wear. If your AC unit is ten years old or older you need to have it checked for potential repairs or replacement.
There are clear signs that tell you that your AC unit could be in trouble. Watch out for these signs to make sure that you can have necessary repairs or replacements done as soon as possible.
Not only is this the best course of action for your family’s comfort it is also the best way to avoid potential health hazards and expensive repair costs.
