How to Know When Your AC Needs to be Replaced

August 29, 2016

Fall is arriving quickly and your AC has made it through another summer. But just because it made it through this summer doesn’t guarantee it will keep the cold air coming the next time the heat is upon you. Here are a few signals that your air conditioner may be on its way out.

Not cooling well

Your air conditioning equipment is designed to keep you cool and comfortable on the hottest days, so if your system is not keeping you cool (and you’re not comfortable) there’s likely a problem. There are a lot of situations where your air conditioner might quit cooling – a refrigerant leak, compressor failure, or a wrongly calibrated thermostat. Once you’ve determined the issue, it may be better to just let go of your little engine that could, and invest in a newer, more energy-efficient AC – hopefully one that keeps you cool.

More Frequent Repairs

If you’re requiring AC repairs every year, it may be time to give it up and purchase a new one. Frequent air conditioner repairs are a good signal that your air conditioning system is starting to die and you don’t want to be caught in the middle of soaring temperatures with a blistering hot home.

Paying More in Energy Bills

If you see a jump in your cooling bills that could be an indication that something is not right. If your AC is working too much overtime, it could result in you working overtime to afford it, and it could be a better decision for you to invest in a more energy-efficient air conditioner that can easily decrease your peak season utility payments.

Drop in Air Flow

If your air flow isn’t as strong as it used to be, it could be an indicator that your air conditioning system is on its last leg. Inspect your home’s air filters to be sure they are not in need of replacing and, if not, call a professional to help determine the problem.

Constantly Starting Up

If your system is continuously running, especially if it’s not producing much cool air, then you possibly have a problem. It could be a problem that’s easy to rectify with a seasonal tune-up, but it could also be a sign that your air conditioner has to work harder to keep you cool and comfy and that means wasted energy and wasted money.

Odd Noise

If your air conditioning system starts making strange noises, there may be a problem. Higher pitched noises could mean an issue with one of the motors. Rattling noises could signal a part got loose. Don’t risk it. Call an expert to examine it and figure out if it’s a complication worth repairing or if it is going to end up being an ongoing issue.

Signs of Aging

Similar to everything (and everyone), the older something gets, the weaker it usually gets. Is your system not cooling as efficiently as it did a few years ago? Are some rooms colder or hotter than others? Is it taking longer to cool your home? All of these are common signals of an aging system. If your air conditioner is having a hard time and is nearing or over 10 years in age, call A-PLUS Service Experts and 301-747-3140 for a free in-home estimate and ask about our current discounts on energy-efficient systems.

chat now widget box