How to Know When an AC Needs Replacing?
7 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner
When summer temperatures are soaring, having a fully functional air conditioner is essential. You can’t beat the relief of walking into a home or business and feeling the cool air brush over your face. But, how do you know when an AC needs replacing?
There are multiple signs your aircon unit may give you. Let’s take a look at what they are and how you can make things better.
1.Strange Noises
Is your air conditioner extremely loud or making unusual noises? This could mean it needs repairing or replacing. A low functioning AC tends to get very noisy as it struggles with the effort of keeping going. Random noises could point to a loose part, a broken fan or dirt build up.
2.Weak Airflow
If the airflow is weak or non-existent, first check the filters. If these are backed up with dust and grime, air could be prevented from passing through. If the filters seem fine, another part could be causing trouble, meaning the unit may need replacing.
3.Unusual Smells
Does an unusual smell waft into the room when you turn the AC on? Nasty smells are often caused by air conditioning not being maintained. The filter may be backed up with grime, the ducts could have mould growth or the insulation may be damaged. Bad smells from your AC need to be fixed quickly, otherwise the purity of the air in your home becomes compromised.
4.Water is Leaking
Is there puddles underneath the air conditioner after it’s been running? While it may seem like just an annoyance, it can actually be a health hazard if the leaking fluid is refrigerant. It’s important to rectify this as soon as possible. Ask your local air conditioning specialists to inspect the leak. They will advise you if its fixable or if a new unit is needed.
5.Electricity Bills Suddenly Spike
If your air conditioning unit is constantly struggling, this means it’s using a lot more electricity just to keep going. While your bills will fluctuate between winter and summer, a sudden jump could point to a problem. Try performing an energy audit to see what is the cause of the sudden energy guzzle.
6.AC Needing Frequent Repairs
If you’re spending most of your time on the phone to the AC repair team, it could be time to get a new unit. You can constantly spend money on repairs, or invest that money in a new, healthy unit, that has a long lifespan and a warranty.
7.Air Isn’t cool
If your AC unit is blowing out warm air, even on a cool setting, this is a sign of a malfunction somewhere in the system. The air compressor might not be working and will need professional attention. It could also point to an obstruction in the valves, filters or condensation drains. Either way, your AC specialist can advise on the best course of action.