While sometimes taken for granted, air conditioners play a vital role in our homes. They keep us cool during hot and humid summer days, purify the indoor air, and are essential to everyday comfort in Chandler. But like any complex machine, AC systems eventually wear down and need replacing. Knowing when to install a new AC system is important so that you can enjoy a comfortable home without overspending on energy bills or purchasing a new system too soon.
Age of Your System
In general, if your system is over 10 years old, it’s time to consider a replacement. One of the main reasons for this is that older air conditioners become less efficient as they age. An old AC system can take longer to cool your home, use more electricity, and may even break down more often.
To determine the age of your system, look on the manufacturer’s label for information about the specific model. You should see an alphanumeric code that indicates the year and month of manufacture. Check records from any recent maintenance visits to see if a technician noted an estimated age, or simply talk to an HVAC professional that can help you determine the age of your system.
Frequent Repairs
As an air conditioner ages, its parts may begin to break down more often and require repairs. It’s important, however, to understand the difference between routine maintenance and frequent repairs. Routine HVAC maintenance includes things like changing air filters, cleaning coils, and inspecting the system for any issues. These tasks should be done regularly to keep your AC running smoothly.
Frequent repairs, on the other hand, mean that certain parts of your AC are no longer functioning properly or have stopped working entirely. For example, if your AC’s compressor needs to be replaced or its coils are corroded, it might make more sense to purchase a new system instead of paying for repairs. So, if you’ve had to repair the system multiple times in a single year or replace major components, such as compressors or condensers, it may be time to purchase a new AC unit. Additionally, frequent repairs can become quite costly when compared to investing in a new unit.
Higher Utility Bills
If your AC system is working harder than usual to keep up with the temperatures, you may be seeing an increase in your energy bills. Apart from pricing fluctuations, higher utility bills often indicate that your AC system is no longer running efficiently due to age, wear-and-tear, or other problems such as clogged air filters. If you notice a steady rise in cooling costs over time even though usage remains the same, it might be time to replace your AC system with a more efficient model.
Unusual Noises
As your AC system ages, its components may start to wear down and produce unusual noises. One of the most common is a squealing noise, which may be caused by loose parts or worn-out bearings. Loud rattling noises coming from the ducts may indicate an issue with your fan motor. A loud, grinding sound when it starts up is usually a sign of a problem with the compressor while clunking and banging noises usually indicate loose parts. If you encounter any of these issues, it’s best to contact an HVAC technician. However, if your AC system is making a lot of unusual noises or the same noise keeps reappearing even after repairs, then it’s probably time to replace your system with a new one.
Lack of Cool Air
If your AC system is no longer blowing cold air, it may be a sign of a serious problem. This could mean that the system’s compressor or fan motor is failing, or there could be a refrigerant leak. When this happens, your AC system will struggle to cool the air in your home. If you’ve already tried troubleshooting the issue or had it repaired without success, then it might be time to install a new AC system. However, note that not getting enough cool air could also be due to other minor issues, such as wrong thermostat settings. For instance, if the thermostat is set too high, the system won’t be able to regulate indoor temperatures and will struggle to cool your home. Thus, it’s best to talk to an HVAC technician first who can help you identify the source of the problem.
Lack of Maintenance
Regular AC maintenance is essential for keeping your system running properly and efficiently. It can help you avoid problems like clogged air filters, low refrigerant levels, and other issues that can cause the system to work harder than usual or break down entirely. If you haven’t maintained your AC system in years, then it’s time to consider a replacement.
Generally, an HVAC technician will clean the coils, lubricate motors and moving parts, measure refrigerant levels, flush the drain line, inspect electrical components, and test airflow. To keep your AC system running smoothly for as long as possible, it’s recommended to get maintenance done at least once or twice a year depending on the system’s age.
Signs of Wear and Tear
One of the key signs of wear and tear is that the AC system is one or more leaks. Leaks can indicate that the system has been overworked and is no longer able to keep up with cooling demands. If you notice a strange smell coming from the system or condensation collecting on walls and windows, this could be another sign that your AC system needs to be replaced.
Incorrect Size or Location
As technology and energy efficiency advance, customers are faced with the decision to upgrade to a better system. This is especially true for homes using a unit that is too large or too small for their needs. Purchasing a newer system that is designed for the size of your home can alleviate such problems.
Suppose your AC unit is installed in an area susceptible to extreme temperatures. In that case, it may be time to consider replacing the system with one that is better suited for the environment. Air conditioners in improper locations are more likely to experience problems due to temperature fluctuations and airflow issues. A simple solution would be to move the unit to a better location or install a new system that is designed for these environments.
Contact Us
If you notice any signs indicating the need for a new AC system, it’s best to consult Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing in Chandler for advice and a professional opinion. We can help you decide if it’s time to replace your existing system or keep the one you currently have. We also offer residential and commercial heating and cooling repair, installation, and maintenance in the Phoenix area. Additionally, we offer indoor air quality solutions, ductless HVAC, and thermostat-related services. Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing delivers 100% guaranteed service and transparent pricing for our valued customers. We have earned an A+ rating through the Better Business Bureau and been screened and approved by HomeAdvisor. Our emergency services are available around the clock, and financing options are available. Contact Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing today to learn more about our extensive offerings.
