7 Signs It’s Time to Buy an Air Conditioner
When temperatures rise significantly during the summer, air conditioning units become one of the most vital appliances. You rely on a properly functional AC to keep a residential or commercial space cool and comfortable. Unfortunately, even the best units in the market don’t last forever. At some point, you’ll have to buy a new cooling unit. Here are seven common signs you need a new AC.
1. Frequent Repairs or Breakdowns
Like any other appliance, cooling units aren’t immune to breakdowns. After several years of using your AC, it becomes susceptible to malfunctions. However, if the repairs are consistent and the costs keep rising to a point where they exceed 50% of the price of a new unit, buying another one is more cost-effective. If you are unsure about the costs incurred in repairs, consult an HVAC expert to get an estimate. This way, you will make an appropriate decision.
You should also figure out if the repair is just a short time fix. If you keep calling a technician to repair the same components, buying a new one is a worthy investment. A new AC will likely save you more money in the long term because you can rely on the warranty in case of any malfunctions or breakdowns.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
An obvious sign that you need to buy a new air conditioning system is when your current equipment doesn’t do its job anymore. When you turn on your AC, you expect it to distribute cool air in your space within a few minutes. But if your unit struggles to maintain the ideal indoor temperatures or blows warm air, it’s a warning sign that you need a new unit.
There are many reasons why your AC might blow warm air. A technician can inspect your ductwork to see if it’s clogged or if the thermostat has a problem. Wear and tear over the years can also lead to a significant decline in your unit’s performance. A professional can easily fix the problem in cases where the thermostat or ductwork is the problem. However, if it requires extensive repairs, an entire replacement is recommended.
3. Your System Is Old
Typically, AC units are usually installed outdoors. As a result, they are exposed to several harsh weather elements, including snow during the cold months and extremely high temperatures in the hot months. Continued exposure to these elements plays a significant part in shortening the lifespan of your unit.
The lifespan also depends on other factors, including humidity and temperatures level in a specific area. Additionally, failure to schedule professional maintenance considerably shortens your unit’s lifespan. If you’ve been using your AC for over a decade and it has several major problems, you may have to consider buying a new one.
4. Your Unit Produces Unusual Sounds
Every AC unit makes some sounds during normal operation. However, if it gets noisier and produces unusual sounds such as squealing, banging, buzzing, or rattling, there are problems with the system, and you may need a new one.
Banging sounds may result from broken or loose components, such as a compressor. If you hear a continuous clicking noise, it may be a sign of electrical issues. Buzzing sounds can result from several issues, including motor failure, broken air filters, or blowers. Whichever noise your AC makes, it needs immediate attention from an experienced technician. Although a professional will find the source of the issue, in most cases, the best option is to buy a new unit
5. AC Produces Weird Smells
Just like strange sounds, foul smells from your AC are a sign of a serious problem. When your cooling system is in peak condition, the air from your vents should smell neutral and clean. It shouldn’t produce a smokey, musty, moldy, or burning smell.
Don’t ignore any weird smells from your AC. Call a professional immediately to diagnose your unit to avoid other major issues that can be hazardous to your family. While some repairs and thorough cleaning may help eliminate the bad odors, it might be time for a new AC.
6. Increased Humidity or Moisture Accumulation
AC unit units also help to remove the excess humidity from the air in your living space. As the evaporator coil extracts warm air from your house, it cools and distributes it back. During this process, it’s normal to notice a few water droplets from the outside unit as the evaporator removes moisture from the air.
If you notice a sudden increase in water leaks or moisture inside the house, you may have to install a new unit. The excess moisture could result from a malfunctioning issue, such as refrigerant leaks. The leaks may cause your AC to underperform and will soon lead to increased cooling costs. Moisture buildup also poses a health risk to your loved ones because it creates a breeding ground for mold. The most effective solution for this issue is to get an entirely new unit.
7. Unusual Rise in Energy Bills
Have you noticed a sudden spike in your energy bills? If all other electrical appliances in your home or business are in perfect condition and there are no significant changes in your energy use, your AC may be the culprit. An increase in power bills is a sign that your system’s efficiency is on a decline. Also, your unit may have undergone some malfunction, forcing it to work harder, which increases energy consumption.
Upgrading to a new air conditioner will save you a considerable amount on your utility bills. Even better, today’s cooling units are highly energy efficient and can save up to 40% of your power bills. Modern units use about 30% less energy to produce a similar amount of cooling as older systems.
Your Air Conditioner Installation Experts
Determining the most appropriate time to replace your air conditioner can be tricky. However, if your unit doesn’t cool your space properly, produces unusual smells or sounds, or requires frequent and expensive repairs, it’s time to consider buying a new AC. It’s advisable to call an experienced technician to assess your unit before you buy a new appliance. Also, don’t wait until the summer to call a professional for installation. Have it installed in the spring or fall when HVAC companies don’t have a busy schedule to ensure you’re ready for the warmer months.
Whenever you need reliable and trusted professionals to install your new air conditioner, get in touch with Mackey Services. Our company has been in business for three decades now, and we have a team of highly experienced technicians who provide quality service on every task. Our skilled technicians will help you determine when it’s time for a new unit, explain the models available in the market, and help you pick the right one for your needs. We’ll then install it and make sure all components work correctly and efficiently. We also provide electrical repairs, indoor air quality services, and EV charging station installation on top of our heating and AC repair, installation, and maintenance services. We’re proud to service Dickinson and the Greater Houston Area.
Contact our team at Mackey Services to book a service today.
