Signs Your AC Needs To Be Replaced

Living in Augusta, GA a well-functioning air conditioning system is not a modern comfort but a necessity.  So, if your AC unit goes out, this expenditure becomes a necessity. But there are some signs that may lead you to replace your AC unit before it goes out and avoid that emergency expense. Here are 6 signs that it is time to replace your air conditioner.

Old Age

Some will say 15 years, others may say less or more but whatever the magic number, make sure you don’t let your air conditioner outlive its life span. If you notice something a little off, and your AC is near the recommended replacement age, have a professional take a look and tell you if the time has come.

Noise

A gentle humming sound is generally normal and harmless coming from your air conditioning unit . on the other hand, if your unit is making a grinding, rattling, banging, clanking, clicking, whining, or otherwise disconcerting noise, then you probably have an issue. Make sure to get this checked out and consider replacing the unit if these problems are due to age or too much wear and tear.

Frequent Capacitor and Fuse Failures

Sometimes our unit is giving us warning signs. Capacitors work with the compressor, and the outside fan in your air conditioner. If your AC is humming when the fan is not running, it’s likely because of a capacitor problem. Both failing capacitors and fuses are signs that you need a new AC.

Higher energy bills

Are you noticing your paying a lot more on your energy bills? Your aging air conditioner may be to blame. Older air conditioners have to work a lot harder to cool your home, which leads to an increased use of energy that is reflected in a higher bill. Additionally, older air conditioners often have trouble cooling a home sufficiently. This can lead to you lowering the thermostat and further increasing your energy bills.

Newer AC units are exceptionally energy-efficient, particularly those with high seasonal energy efficiency ratios, or SEER. Replacing your old air conditioner with an energy-efficient one is a great way to save on your energy bills.

Your House Never Seems to be Cool

If you feel like you’re running your AC all the time, but your house  is consistently hot, you may need to upgrade your unit. As an air conditioner ages, it becomes efficient and may not be able to condition and cool your home as well.  If you feel like you just can’t trust the thermostat when it says that its 68 degrees, stop driving yourself nuts, and have a new unit installed.

Weak airflow

If your air conditioner takes a long to cool down your home, or never seems to do much of anything to keep the unrelenting summer temperatures at bay, it’s time for a replacement. If you stand by the vents in your home, you should feel a strong rush of air from your air conditioner. Weak airflow can be a sign that the compressor of your A/C unit is failing or there is an issue with your duct work failing. It’s best to call in a professional to evaluate this problem in order to get an accurate diagnosis. If the problem is with your compressor, replacing the unit all together is more cost effective than simply replacing the compressor, especially if the unit is several years old

If you feel you need some advice on your unit, or have questions regarding repairing or replacing your unit reach out to the professionals at D & M Heating and  Air.  We would be happy to provide honest assistance. Remember “We’re only  comfortable when you are”