How to Know When Your AC Needs to be Replaced

August 29, 2016

Cool air is coming soon and your AC has made it through another cooling season. But surviving this summer doesn’t guarantee it will keep its cool the next time temperatures rise. Here are a few signs that your air conditioner may be on its last summer.

Not cooling your home

Your AC system is supposed to keep you cool and comfortable on the steamiest of days, so if it’s not keeping your family cool (and you’re not comfortable) there’s possibly a problem. There are several situations where your AC may quit cooling – a refrigerant leak, compressor failure, or a wrongly calibrated thermostat. Depending on the situation, it may be better to just let go of your little engine that could, and invest in a newer, more energy-efficient air conditioner – ideally one that keeps your home cool.

More Frequent Repairs

If you’re needing air conditioner repairs every summer, it may be time to give it up and invest in a new one. Frequent AC repairs are a good signal that your air conditioning system is starting to go out and you don’t want to be caught in the middle of summer with a roasting hot home.

Increase in Energy Bills

If you see a jump in your AC bills that could be a sign that something is amiss. If your air conditioning system is working too much overtime, it could result in you working overtime to afford it, and it could be a better decision for you to invest in a more energy-efficient air conditioning system that can easily reduce your peak season utility payments.

Drop in Air Flow

If your air isn’t blowing as strong as it used to be, it could be an indicator that your AC is on its last leg. Check your home’s air filters to confirm they do not need replacing and, if not, call an expert to help determine the problem.

Constantly Starting Up

If your system is continuously running, particularly if it’s not producing much cool air, then you likely have a problem. It might be an issue that’s easy to rectify with a Precision tune-up, but it could also be an indicator that your air conditioner has to work harder to cool your home and that results in wasted energy and wasted money.

Strange Noise

If your air conditioner starts creating unusual noises, there may be a problem. Higher pitched noises could mean an issue with one of the motors. Rattling noises could mean a part has come loose. Don’t risk it. Call a professional to take a look and figure out if it’s an issue worth repairing or if it is going to end up being an ongoing issue.

Signs of Aging

Just like everything (and everyone), the older something gets, the weaker it usually gets. Is your air conditioner not cooling as well as it did five years ago? Are certain rooms warmer or cooler than others? Is it taking longer to cool your home? These are all typical signals of an aging system. If your system is floundering and is approaching or over 10 years in age, call Parker Pearce Service Experts and 301-476-4577 for a no-charge in-home estimate and ask about our current promotions on energy-efficient systems.

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