Have the energy bills continuously rising? Or maybe the atmosphere in the house is not so fresh as it used to be? Well, the AC can be a reason. Nothing is permanent, and air conditioners sometimes need replacement too.
Here are the 5 most obvious signs that the user needs to replace the air conditioner:
- Air conditioner lifespan
- Utility bills are high
- Frequent repairs
- AC is struggling to cool your home
- AC is making strange noises
Air Conditioner Is Over 10 Years Old
Air conditioners older than ten years are likely to experience frequent breakdowns
According to Energy Star Canada, that the average lifespan of an air conditioner is approximately ten years? Air conditioners older than ten years are likely to experience frequent breakdowns, costly repairs, and struggle to adequately cool the home.
If an AC unit is getting close to the ten-year mark, it usually makes financial sense to purchase a new unit as according to Energy.Gov, users reduce the AC costs by 20% to 40% by replacing their old air conditioner with a new, more efficient model.
Rising Utility Bills
Air conditioners are responsible for 46% of the average household energy bill, this equates to cost over $100 per month.
The older AC is, the less efficient it is. Users can slash the energy bill by 50% by using a 15 Seer rated air conditioner or even more if users opt for a 20+ Seer rated AC unit. If users have an 11 Seer rated or lower AC unit, consider purchasing a new one.
AC Unit Requires Costly And Frequent Repairs
As air conditioner ages, it becomes more susceptible to breakdowns, requiring frequent repairs. If that is not bad enough, these repairs continue to rise in price as parts become difficult to source and the labor hours increase.
If repairing an air conditioner is going to cost at least 20% of the cost of purchasing a new AC unit, then users should strongly consider replacing the unit. If the repair cost is 30% + of a new air conditioner, it is time to immediately buy a new AC unit. It isn’t just the cost of the air conditioner repair user has to evaluate when determining if a user should purchase a new AC unit. Users also have to figure out if the repair can solve the problem or it is just a band-aid fix.
Air Conditioner Is Struggling To Cool Home
Wear and tear can often result in an air conditioner failing to cool the home and even producing warm air
Is the AC unit is taking longer to cool the home or isn’t able to maintain an ideal temperature like it used to? If the user has checked for clogs, make sure the thermostat is working, and that the motor is running fine, then this is a major warning sign that the air conditioner is on a downward performance trajectory.
Wear and tear can often result in an air conditioner failing to cool the home and even producing warm air. Frequent repair will only be a temporary solution. Before deciding whether the air conditioner needs to be repaired or replaced, the HVAC service recommends having a professional check of the unit. The technicians are available for urgent, same-day inspections and can give expert advice on how best to cool the home.
AC Unit Is Making Strange Noises
Has AC been making clicking, banging, clanking, or buzzing sounds? These are all signs of potential problems that may require users to purchase a new unit.
- Constant clicking coming from an air conditioner is typically a sign of electrical problems. Electrical issues need an inspection by a certified technician ASAP! If it is a problem with AC’s motor, the unit may need replacement.
- Banging sounds are often caused by a loose or broken part. HVAC Service usually finds a banging sound is associated with broken compressors. These can be fixed without having to replace the entire AC unit.
- AC units regularly buzzing sound can be caused by a wide range of factors, including broken blowers or air filters, motor failure, and loose fan blades. The user will need to hire a technician to find out the source and extent of the problem.
- Clanking sounds should not be ignored and require urgent attention. They usually indicate that parts within the AC unit have broken. If the air conditioner is clanking, then the user needs to immediately stop running the machine as it will exacerbate the problem.
It is not always easy to know when to get the air conditioner repaired or replaced. However, if the AC unit is older than ten years, breaks down regularly, and requires expensive repairs, not cooling the home properly, making strange noises, and energy bills are high, get ready to buy a new unit.
Before the user decides to purchase a new air conditioner, the HVAC service recommends users have their AC unit assessed by its licensed technicians, who will advise the best course of action.
