Summer is here, which means the weather is only going to get warmer from this day forward. When it does, you’ll want to start running your air conditioning unit to keep cool. However, just like anything else, your central air conditioner may begin to exhibit specific problems over time. Not too sure what those might entail or what to look for, exactly? Here’s what you need to keep a close eye for:
Your Unit is Very Old
In general, most central air conditioning units are only meant to last for approximately 10 to 15 years. As a result, if you have had your unit for longer than that period of time, then it’s time for an upgrade. When an air conditioner is outdated, it may not function adequately anymore, which will not only cause it to work even harder to produce cold air, but the “overtime” that your unit is putting up can actually increase your energy bills to new heights.
Too Many Repairs
If your HVAC technician is coming to your home frequently to make repairs on your air conditioner, it should be taken as a clear sign that you need a new unit installed. In fact, the grand total of all of those repairs put together may even surpass the cost of a new air conditioner. If you feel that a repair call is a common occurrence, then you’ll want to look into getting a new unit installed.
It Isn’t Cooling Your Home Enough
One of the most significant indicators that it’s time for a new air conditioner upgrade is that your current unit isn’t sufficiently cooling your home. Even if your current system is the proper size for your home, an older unit may lag in terms of distributing cold air efficiently — or any cold air at all. Adjusting the thermostat may help, but it’s only a matter of time before your air conditioner will give out entirely from that excessive force.
Your Utility Bills are Increasing
If your utility bills are increasing, it’s a sign that your air conditioning unit is malfunctioning. If it no longer adequately cools your home and has to work much harder than what’s needed, precious energy is lost, which means that your cooling bills will increase astronomically. This is typically one of the most common signs most homeowners witness that they need a replacement.
Moisture Buildup
While all air conditioners have a buildup of moisture over time, those that have an excessive amount will run into severe problems down the road. One of those issues may be a leakage of refrigerant, which can cause the air conditioning unit to run ineffectively and inefficiently. If that wasn’t alarming enough, this leakage problem could also lead to adverse effects on the health of everyone in your home. In fact, having too much moisture in your central air conditioning unit can result in the growth and spreading of mold, which bogs down your indoor air quality and is exceptionally hazardous to inhale by any means.
Odd Noises
Your air conditioner makes noise, but if it’s making a weird sound that is somewhat unusual, it’s a sign there’s a problem on your hands. The sound emanating from an AC should be barely noticeable — so if it’s suddenly making a loud, rattling, squeaking, or grinding sound, it’s a sign that you need to upgrade your unit right away.
Want to Upgrade Your Current Central Air Conditioner?
If you are in need of an HVAC specialist, contact the experts at Harris! From replacements to repairs, we can handle it all at Harris PHAP!
