Nowadays, an air conditioner is an absolute life saver, especially with the crazy heat we’ve been seeing across the country. It’s never been more important to keep up with your air conditioner maintenance. However, you shouldn’t keep dumping money into an air conditioner that’s run its course. The HVAC pros here at Mrs. Michael HVAC Technicians put together a list of the most common signs that it’s time to replace your air conditioner.
8 Common Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Air Conditioner
Over 10-15 Years Old
Air conditioners don’t last forever and it’s important to know when is the best time to replace your unit. Even if you keep up with all the necessary maintenance throughout the years, you’ll need to replace it when it reaches the end of its lifespan. Typically speaking, air conditioners have a life span of 10-15 years.
Once your unit reaches 10 years old, it’s a good time to start thinking about buying a new air conditioner.
It Uses R22 Refrigerant
Another big red flag that it’s time to replace your air conditioner is if it uses the refrigerant R22, also known as Freon. At the beginning of 2010, R22 began to get phased out of use and production due to its nasty habit of tearing through the ozone layer.
As of January 2020, R22 is no longer produced in the world and is no longer available. This means that if your air conditioner unit uses R22, it will need to be replaced sooner than later. Check the nameplate on your AC unit to see if it uses R22, or you can reach out to the professional HVAC technicians at Mrs. Michael HVAC Technicians if you’re unsure.
The Air Isn’t Getting Cold
This one of the more obvious signs that it’s time to replace your air conditioner: if the air just isn’t getting cold anymore. Once your air conditioner stops effectively doing its job, that’s when it’s time to have it checked out, at the very least.
If your A/C unit isn’t blowing cool air anymore, or if it’s starting to blow warm air, then you need to call a professional. It could be a blockage in your ducts or this could be a sign that your air conditioner needs to be replaced.
Weaker Airflow
Over time, as your air conditioner unit ages, airflow could begin to diminish. When this happens, it’s a sign that something is wrong. It could even be a sign that your A/C unit should be replaced.
If the airflow coming from your air conditioner is weak, that causes it to work harder and longer to cool your house down. The harder your air conditioner has to work, the more likely it is to break down or fail altogether.
Higher-Than-Usual Electricity Bills
Generally speaking, your energy bills should pretty much stay consistent every season. If you start noticing a spike in your energy bills, it might be your air conditioner. As an air conditioning unit reaches the end of its lifespan, it becomes less efficient. An inefficient air conditioner runs much longer than an efficient one. Because of this, your energy bill is sure to noticeably rise.
As your air conditioner gets older, it’s important to stay vigilant and watch for any signs that it’s beginning to fail. Monitor your energy bills for any unusual spikes, especially when your energy use habits haven’t changed. Remember, spikes in energy use are normal as our HVAC systems adjust to the changing seasons. It’s when those energy spikes don’t level out that it becomes a problem.
Unusual Sounds & Smells
The only way you should know if your air conditioner is working is if you notice the room getting cooler. If your air conditioner starts announcing its presence with foul smells and unsettling noises, then it’s time to get it checked out.
It’s normal to hear your A/C when it first kicks on or just after it turns off, but when those noises become persistent it can be a sign that it’s time to replace your air conditioner. The same goes for any unusual smells while your A/C is operating. If you notice any strange sounds or smells, turn off your air conditioner and call your local HVAC professionals to have a look. It could save you a hefty amount of money.
Concerning Sounds and Smells From an Air Conditioner
- Grinding
- Squealing
- Loud Pops and Bangs
- Musty and Moldy Smells
- Smoke
- Burning Smell
High Humidity, Excess Moisture, & Leaks
One of the main jobs of an air conditioner is to remove excess moisture and humidity from the air in your home. It’s safe to say that if you start noticing more humidity in your home, then your air conditioner might be struggling.
Another thing to watch for is accumulating moisture on and around your A/C unit. It’s normal for moisture to condense on your air conditioner, especially in warm weather. However, if you notice pooling water around the unit, then it’s time to call a professional HVAC team.
More Frequent Repairs
Occasional repairs are normal for an air conditioner, especially as it gets older. However, you shouldn’t have to be spending buckets of money every year just to keep your A/C unit running. At a certain point, it just becomes more economical to upgrade your A/C system so you can save money on frequent repairs.
A good way to ensure you get the most out of your air conditioner is if you invest in a maintenance plan, like the Mrs. Michael Cares Club here at Mrs. Michael HVAC Technicians. With regular maintenance and check-ups you can keep your air conditioner running for as long as possible. It’ll also help you avoid any surprise issues. You’ll know exactly when it’s time to replace your air conditioner.
Keep Cool And Replace Your Air Conditioner
If it’s time to replace your air conditioner, then make sure you’re getting the best A/C installation services near you. Luckily for you, you can’t do any better than the professional HVAC technicians here at Mrs. Michael HVAC Technicians. If you recognize any of these signs, don’t wait for the inevitable. Avoid a broken air conditioner and a hot and sweaty week by investing in a new air conditioner installation.
For the best air conditioner installation and maintenance services, you can’t go wrong with Mrs. Michael HVAC Technicians. Give us a call at (810) 214-4027 or request your appointment online. For more HVAC tips and tricks, check out our blog. You can also keep up with the latest and greatest deals and news by following us on Facebook and Twitter.
