Homeowners spend $29 billion per year on electricity for their AC units. When the air conditioner starts malfunctioning, it can cost homeowners, even more, to replace or repair. Even though an air conditioner can last 10-15 years, at some point, it’ll stop working.
There are signs your air conditioner needs to be replaced, but what are they? How do you know whether you need an air conditioner repair person, or a new system altogether?
If you’re confused about what to do to keep your AC running, here are five signs you need an air conditioner replacement.
1. No Cold Air
Your AC not blowing cold air is a key sign that something is up. While it may be a simple as replacing parts, that’s not always the case. If you believe you’ve done everything possible to get cold air to blow, you should call an air conditioner replacement service.
The same is true if you feel little air blowing out of the vent. Your AC is working properly when air is blowing at a normal speed. If you notice a lack in airspeed, call a professional to have it serviced.
2. Age
AC units that are more than 15 years old should be replaced. 15 years is the average age that air conditioners will last, and some even last less than that. If your AC unit makes it to age 10, you should start planning for a replacement in the next few years, because you’ll likely start experiencing frequent repairs.
3. Condensation
Excessive condensation on your AC unit isn’t normal. Normal amounts of condensation are expected, but pools or puddles of condensation or refrigerant signify that something might be broken or irreplaceable. Not only is there a possibility that your unit might need replacing, but the refrigerant leak is toxic and needs to be addressed immediately.
4. Sounds and Smells
AC units do make humming noises, but these noises should not be strange or out of the ordinary to you. Loud noises like rattling, banging, clanging, or thumping are not normal noises and may indicate a larger problem.
Smells and odors are also a sign of problems with your air conditioning. An AC unit shouldn’t omit any real smell, but a smokey or burning odor is a dangerous smell. You should call an Air conditioning and heating services professional as soon as you notice the smell.
5. Higher-Than-Normal Energy Bills
While your energy bill should be higher in the summertime, you should not experience spikes in your usage, especially if there’s been no change in how you use your AC. High energy bills can point to problems with your unit, whether it’s needed repairs or replacing altogether.
If your bill is significantly higher, and you’ve already addressed the problem with the energy company, try an AC service.
These Are Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs to be Replaced
While the signs your air conditioner needs to be replaced are not always clear, these signs do point to problems within the unit. Your best bet is to call your local and trusted AC repair company to give you a recommendation.
If you need an expert to take a look at your AC, call our professionals. We service Livingston, Point Blank, Cold Spring, Woodville, Corrigan, and Onalaska, TX. Contact us today for a diagnosis for your air conditioner.
