Is It Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner? The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.
Is It Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner?
Let’s face it; most of us like holding on to things for as long as we can and only replace them when they can no longer serve their purpose or get damaged beyond repair. But while this practice is often a good way to save money and cut on unnecessary spending, it’s not always practical especially when it comes to your air home conditioner.
It can be difficult to decide whether or not to get rid of an outdated air conditioner, so you need to know what exactly to look out for. If your any of these signs or characteristics apply to your current unit, it could be time for an AC replacement:
1. Too Old
Is your air conditioner more than ten years old? You may want to seriously think about an upgrade. After a decade (or more) of cooling your home, your AC unit will start to show signs of wear and tear more often.
Most manufacturer warranties are only valid for five to ten years, which means that if your unit is too old, you will have to pay for all types of repairs out-of-pocket. In this case, it would be wiser and more cost-effective to invest in a new air conditioner with a valid warranty and much better features.
2. Outdated Refrigerant
Freon is being phased out in favor of ozone-friendly refrigerants in most countries, resulting in a drastic increase in Freon prices worldwide.
If your AC unit is still running on R-22 Freon, it would make a lot of sense to make the switch to an updated model. Your wallet and the environment will both benefit from an air conditioner that uses an eco-friendly refrigerant.
3. Strange Noises
Are you hearing weird noises coming from your air conditioner? Any grinding, rattling, pounding, or similar sounds that aren’t normally heard in your house? These noises could be the result of a blockage caused by the accumulation of dust and debris or, worse, a faulty motor or compressor.
Most of the time, all it takes to fix a noisy air conditioner is a call to your local AC repair company. However, if your air conditioner has been around for at almost ten year, these noises could be a sign of a much bigger problem and it may be best for you to replace the unit instead of repair.
4. Foul Smells
Your air conditioner is supposed to make your home feel relaxing and comfortable, not make it smell bad. If your AC is emitting strange odors, then there’s definitely a problem and you’ve got to have it diagnosed immediately.
Some of the common causes of foul AC smells are burnt wire and the presence of mold in the air ducts. These problems are generally fixable, but if they keep coming back, you may need to have the entire system checked or replace your AC unit to solve the issue for good.
5. High Energy Bills
The air conditioning system consumes the most energy in most households. This means that even the smallest inefficiencies can have a substantial impact on your home’s energy usage.
Air conditioners become less efficient as they get older. As their components acquire dirt and wear out over time, AC units have to work harder and use more power to achieve the same cooling level. That being said, if you have noticed an unusual spike in your electric bill over the past months, it may be because of your aging air conditioner. You’ll be saving money by investing in a new unit with excellent energy-saving features.
6. Poor Cooling Efficiency
Does the room still feel a little hot or humid even with the air conditioner turned on? It’s either your AC’s overworked or the wrong size for the space. A unit that’s too small or too worn out will not be able to cool a room efficiently and use more power in the process.
If your air conditioner is no longer serving its purpose well, it’s time for you to get a new one. An AC professional can help you choose the right unit for your space and cooling needs.
7. Frequent Breakdowns
Have you been calling a professional service too frequently to repair your malfunctioning air conditioner? Then it’s definitely – DEFINITELY – time to replace your old AC unit.
The cost of maintaining and repairing an old air conditioner could easily exceed the price of a new AC unit in the long run. Replacing a worn out AC will save you the trouble of having to call for air conditioning repair every few months, and all the costs and hassles that come with a faulty AC unit.
About the Author
Rachel Watson is the Senior Content Editor of New AC Unit. Aside from heading the company’s content marketing strategies, she writes articles about how to stay fit and energy-efficient home living.