Air conditioning units are vital parts of the home. They provide cold air to your home for comfortable living in the warmer months of the year. If you have an air conditioning unit in your space that you have depended on for many years, you might wonder when to replace it. What are some signs that indicate its life is over?
If you want to learn more about when to replace your air conditioning unit, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn about five signs that will show you it’s time to invest in a new system for your home. By replacing it at the right time, you can save money on repairs and enjoy cool air for longer. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started!
Your Air Conditioning Unit Makes Loud Sounds
Weird sounds are one of the easiest things to notice in a broken air conditioning unit. You might note rattles, clanks, and strange thumps that were never there before. Grinding and scraping can also indicate trouble with the belts and other internal features of the cooling system.
- Take action as soon as possible by calling a repair person
- Get an estimate on the situation
- Determine the damage
These steps will help you decide if a new unit will be cheaper than repairing the cause of the sound.
If you’ve let the noises go on without taking action, the internal workings of your air conditioner may have been damaged beyond repair. At this point, you should seek out replacement options for your air conditioning unit.
There’s More Than Just Cold Air Coming from Your Air Conditioning Unit
Air conditioners are supposed to produce cool air. If your unit doesn’t give you cold air or does it sporadically, it’s vital to get it checked out. It shouldn’t be uncomfortable to rest in your home if you have a way to make the air cooler. A professional can help you determine if it’s cheaper to replace or repair the trouble.
- Cause discomfort throughout the day for all occupants in warmer months
- Encourage the growth of mold and other invasive items
- Impact the health of occupants inside the space who are sensitive to changes
An air conditioning unit that does not produce cold air causes many problems.
Your unit does more than lower the temperature in the space – it also controls the moisture inside your home. If the system isn’t working, you might experience a takeover of mold and other growths. Prevent this issue by replacing the system.
Your Air Conditioning Unit is 10+ Years Old
Most air conditioners have a lifespan of about ten years. After that, it becomes more costly to repair them, and they tend to break down faster. Check the installation date on your air conditioning unit to see if it’s in the double digits of its lifespan. If so, it might be time to get a new unit to cool your home.
- Expensive repairs that happen more and more often
- Higher energy bills from a less efficient unit
- The basic technology that lacks the benefits of more modern systems
These can impact your wallet and home negatively.
It’s critical to keep up with the times. An old air conditioning unit is not as efficient as others in the market. It might use more energy and cannot keep your home as cool as you would like it to be. Take care of your bills and replace an out-of-date unit as soon as possible.
You’re Having to Frequently Repair Your Air Conditioning Unit
An air conditioner shouldn’t need repairs too often. You should be able to get by with a check every year and minimal repairs at most. If your air conditioning unit needs multiple expensive repairs a year, it might cost you less to invest in a new one.
- Replacing the evaporator coil
- Dealing with the condenser fan motor
- Replacing leaks from the refrigerant
These can cost thousands of dollars to deal with inside your home.
If expensive repairs continue to appear more and more frequently, don’t replace them. Get rid of your current system and invest in one that won’t break down so often. It might cost you a lot upfront, but it will save you funds in the long run.
Your Air Conditioning Unit is Leaking
Leaks are another indication that your unit is on its last limb. This issue might be known in moisture gathered around the surface or in puddles that pile on the floor. An air conditioning unit emitting liquid is not only expensive, but it can also be dangerous.
- Mold growing in the unit
- Large repair bills if left unchecked
- health risks to those who might be sensitive to the growth
These are not worth taking if you notice leaks.
Although leaks can stem from several reasons, most of them require intensive, expensive repairs from a company. You can get it checked out and receive an estimate, but it might be time to get a new system altogether.
Final Thoughts
An air conditioning unit is critical in the hot months of the year, and it can be frustrating to deal with one at the end of its life. If you notice weird noises, limited air, extensive age, frequent repairs, or leaks, it’s time to get a new unit for your home. You’ll be much happier with the new system, and it will save you money in the long run.
We hope this information was helpful! It’s critical to replace old air conditioning units as soon as possible for the best results in your home. No one wants an air conditioning system that doesn’t cool down the house. If you notice any of these, take action right away to keep your home in order.