Your AC unit will last long, but it won’t stay around forever. Most standard units have a lifespan of 15 – 20 years. It’s no surprise you’re interested in learning what signs to look for when you think you need a new AC unit.
Are you experiencing AC issues and wondering if you need an AC system replacement? Keep reading to learn about five situations where replacing AC units makes sense.
1. Unusual Noises
Yes, your AC unit will make noises when it runs. But as time passes, you’ll learn what’s normal with your AC unit.
You’ll probably notice immediately when your AC unit starts making unusual noises. While they may not indicate a severe problem, it can signify that your HVAC system is getting close to the end of its life. This happens as your HVAC components wear down and stop functioning at full capacity.
2. Humid Home
One of the jobs of an air conditioner is to remove humidity from a home. It does this by extracting warm air into your evaporator coils, cooling the air, and sending it back inside.
As your AC unit ages, your evaporator coil will be less able to extract moisture from the air and cool it down. When the problem gets bad enough, it’s time to invest in a new AC unit.
3. Poor Airflow
Do you have parts of your home that are cooler than others? If you check your vents, you may find that the air may not be flowing as well in the rooms that aren’t cooling down. That’s because your AC unit isn’t providing enough airflow.
This problem can be anything from a dirty filter to a vent obstruction. In cases where your AC unit is old, it may not be able to produce the airflow that it used to. You’ll need to invest in an AC replacement when that happens.
4. Weird Smells
Everything is contained in your AC unit, so there should be no smells coming from your unit. However, odors do occur when you have leaks or burning components.
Some of these problems are dangerous and need an immediate resolution from an AC professional. If you find yourself encountering s smells and leaks often, you likely need a new AC unit.
5. High Electricity Costs
Rising energy costs are one of the most significant signs that your indoor or outdoor AC unit needs replacement. Your AC unit will use more energy if it has to work harder to cool your home. If it isn’t working well, that’s what will happen.
You’ll notice this over time as your power bill keeps going up. Eventually, purchasing a new AC unit makes more sense instead of wasting a lot of money on your power bill.
Don’t Put Off an AC System Replacement
You can keep your residential AC system running for some time, but repairing common AC issues will only get you so far. There will come a time when repairing everything will cost more than an AC system replacement. Keep the five situations above in mind if you believe it isn’t worth repairing AC systems anymore.
Head back to the blog to find more posts that will help you handle other home improvement situations.
Alison Lurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.