Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibilities. One of those is making sure that your home’s HVAC system is running properly. That means keeping up with regular maintenance and replacing your A/C unit when it’s time.
So, how do you know when it’s time to replace your A/C unit? Here are 5 signs that it’s time for a new A/C unit:
1. You Hear Strange Noises Coming from Your A/C Unit
If you start to hear strange noises coming from your A/C unit, it may be a sign that it’s time for a replacement. These noises can range from squealing to grinding and everything in between. If you hear any of these noises, it’s best to have a professional look at your unit to see if it needs to be replaced.
Most of the time, these noises are caused by a loose part. However, if the noise is coming from the compressor, it could be a sign that your unit is overworked and about to break down.
2. Your A/C Unit is More than 8 Years Old
The main factor that determines how long your A/C unit will last is the type of unit it is. The average lifespan of an A/C unit is between 8 and 12 years. If your unit is on the older end of that spectrum, and especially if the unit hasn’t been maintained, it may be time to start thinking about replacing it.
A lot has changed in the world of HVAC in the last 10 years, and newer units are much more energy-efficient. Everything from the R-22 refrigerant phase-out in favor of R-410A, to variable-speed compressors that adjust instead of simply being “on” or “off” (wasting needless energy). These advancements mean you’ll save money on your energy bills, and they’ll last longer too.
3. Your A/C Unit Requires Frequent Repairs
If you find yourself having to repair your A/C unit more and more, it’s probably time to start shopping for a replacement. The money you’re spending on repairs could be put towards a new unit that will last longer and require fewer repairs.
What may have started as a small repair can quickly turn into a big problem if you don’t nip it in the bud. So, if you find yourself making repairs more often than you’d like, it may be time for a new A/C unit.
4. Your A/C Unit Doesn’t Cool Your Home Like It Used To
Your A/C unit’s purpose is to keep your home cool and comfortable, so if it’s not doing that anymore, it’s time for a replacement.
There are a few reasons why your A/C unit may not be cooling your home as well as it used to. One reason could be that the refrigerant levels are low. Refrigerant is the coolant that helps your A/C unit cool your home and if the levels are low, it won’t be able to do its job properly. (And if the refrigerant levels are low, it’s likely that a leak is the culprit!)
Another reason could be that your unit is too small for your home. If your unit is too small, it will have to work overtime to try to cool your home, and it will eventually wear out.
5. Your Energy Bills are Skyrocketing
If your energy bills have been slowly creeping up over the years, it could be a sign that your A/C unit is no longer as energy-efficient as it used to be. A new, energy-efficient air conditioning unit could save you a lot of money on your energy bills.
When shopping for a new air conditioner, it’s important to consider not only the initial purchase price, but also the long-term costs of running and maintaining the unit. High-efficiency air conditioners can cost more upfront, but their increased efficiency can save you money over time in energy costs. In addition, today’s climate of inflation and supply issues means that waiting to purchase a new air conditioner can end up costing you more in the long run.
So, if you’ve noticed your energy bills going up and you can’t figure out why, it may be time to replace your A/C unit. Give Weather Master a call anytime at (919) 853-7910, and we’ll make an honest judgment for you in your Raleigh home!