How to Know When Your AC Needs to be Replaced
Fall is right around the corner and your AC has survived another cooling season. But just because it made it through this summer doesn’t promise it will keep the cold air coming the next time temperatures soar. Here are some signals that your AC may be on its way out.
Not keeping your cool
Your air conditioning equipment is meant to keep you cool and comfortable on the warmest days, so if you’re A/C is not keeping you cool (and you’re not comfortable) there’s likely a problem. There are a lot of situations where your AC may quit cooling – a wrongly calibrated thermostat, a refrigerant leak, or compressor failure. Once you know the situation, it may be best to just let go of your little engine that could, and move on to a newer, more energy-efficient air conditioning system – ideally one that keeps your home cool.
More Frequent Repairs
If you’re needing air conditioning repairs every cooling season, it may be time to bite the bullet and buy a new one. Frequent AC repairs are a good sign that your equipment is starting to breakdown and you don’t want to be left in the middle of summer with a roasting hot home.
Paying More in Energy Bills
If you see a hike in your cooling bills that could be a signal that something is amiss. If your air conditioning system is working excessive overtime, it could result in you working overtime to afford it, and it could be a better choice for you to purchase a more energy-efficient air conditioning system that can easily lower your peak season cooling payments.
Decrease in Air Flow
If your air flow isn’t as strong as it used to be, it could be a signal that your air conditioning system is on its way out. Take a look at your home’s air filters to confirm they do not require replacing and, if not, call a professional to help find the problem.
Constantly Kicking On
If your system is continuously running, more importantly if it’s not producing much cool air, then you likely have a problem. It could be something that’s easy to resolve with a seasonal tune-up, but it could also be a sign that your air conditioner has to work more to keep you cool and comfy and that ends up costing you wasted energy and wasted money.
Odd Noise
If your air conditioning system starts making strange noises, there could be a problem. Higher pitched noises might mean an issue with one of the motors. Rattling noises could mean a part got loose. Don’t chance it. Call a professional to examine it and determine if it’s a complication worth repairing or if it will always be an ongoing issue.
Signs of Aging
As it is with everything (and everyone), the older something gets, the weaker it eventually gets. Is your air conditioner not cooling like it did a few years ago? Are specific rooms cooler or warmer than others? Is it taking a larger amount of time to cool your home? These can be usual signs of an aging system. If your air conditioner is struggling and is nearing or over 10 years in age, call Norrell Service Experts and 205-267-0023 for a free in-home estimate and learn about our current promotions on energy-efficient air conditioning systems.
