How do you know if your AC has reached the peak of its working life? How can you tell if you can no longer rely on your system?
If your system is well-maintained, you may be able to operate it for a longer time. Depending on your unit, the climate, and how often you use it, a regularly serviced AC will last longer.
But like all appliances in your home, your air conditioner won’t last forever. Even a well-maintained system may run into some problems when it reaches a certain age. When it happens, you might need to consider calling a professional contractor to replace your air conditioner sooner or later.
In this blog, we’ve put together a few signs that indicate you need to replace your air conditioning system.
Blowing hot or cold air
This is a common problem in old air conditioning systems. They don’t cool or heat as efficiently as before. While older units can still produce regular air levels, the air doesn’t come out cold or hot according to its temperature settings. You may sometimes experience warm air on a cool setting, which could indicate low refrigerant levels. But warm air production when your unit is set on cooling might also indicate a problem in the compressor.
If your unit is producing inconsistent temperatures, this could also be a sign of problem. Your AC should be producing temperatures that are consistent to your setting. If this happens, check for any obstruction in your filters, valves, condensation drains and your system coils. But be ready; if your unit doesn’t get better, you might need to have it replaced.
Poor air flow
Another problem is a decrease in air flow. This could be a sign that your compressor has lost its efficiency. If you have set your thermostat to your desired temperature levels and your home is still warm, this means that your AC is not working at optimum levels.
Increased energy bills
Has your power bill spiked suddenly? Your air conditioner might be the culprit. Consider checking your unit. If you believe your AC is the reason behind the surge, find out why it’s operating less efficiently than it should. Your system might be overworked. Decreased capacity will result to bigger energy costs as your unit struggles to keep up with your desired temperature. Your unit might have just reached the end of its operating life so consider having it replaced.
Noisy operations
Highly efficient air conditioners operate silently. If you are hearing unnecessary noises, you might consider a few repairs. Minor noises could indicate problems in the fan, or that some small internal parts have become loose. But if the noise has grown into a strange rattling, screeching or ticking, this could be serious and might require you to replace your unit.
Odours
Odours are also a serious problem. If your AC is giving off a nasty smell, this could mean that your air conditioner’s insulation is damaged. Or that the air produced by your unit is contaminated by dirt or mould, which could cause health problems.
Short cycling
It’s normal for air conditioners to cycle off and on to maintain a set temperature. But if it switches off randomly and it’s become difficult to get it started, or if it’s turning on and off more frequently than normal, your system may already be malfunctioning.
Sudden leaking and moisture
Depending on what kind of system you have, dripping (outside the house) is normal. But if you notice moisture building up indoors or an increase in condensation, your air conditioner might need to be replaced.
If you recognise some of these signs, we advise you to see your local contractor and ask if a repair can fix the problem. If a unit replacement is the beat course of action, we at Cold Front can help you select a suitable air conditioning system at a reasonable price.