Air conditioners need proper maintenance to run efficiently, keeping you and your family cool during the summer. Keeping your HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system in good working order can save you costly repairs and extend the life of your unit. That being said, all air conditioners get to the point where they need to be replaced.
How do you know when it’s time for an AC replacement? Here are some signs to look for:
Excessive Noise
Your AC is Not Blowing Cool Air
Your air conditioner’s primary function is to cool your home and keep you comfortable when the weather is warm outside. When your AC fails to blow cool air, you know you’ve run into a problem.
Weak Air Flow
If cool air is coming from your vents, but coming out very weakly, it may take a long time to cool your home. Weak airflow could be due to a clogged air filter, a problem with the ducts, or a failing air conditioner compressor.
Rising Energy Bills
If you’ve noticed your monthly energy bills are higher than usual, and you haven’t changed your energy usage, your air conditioner could be the culprit. An air conditioner on the fritz will have to work harder and run constantly to keep your home cool, using more energy and resulting in rising energy bills.
Leaks
Unpleasant Smells
Your air conditioner shouldn’t smell bad. If your air conditioner smells musty when you turn it on, this may indicate the growth of mold, mildew, or bacteria inside your system, which can cause various health issues for you and your family. A burning smell might indicate a burnt-out electrical component in your unit and a chemical smell might be a sign of a dangerous chemical leak. Either way, if you notice unpleasant odors coming from your HVAC system, turn off your air conditioner and take immediate action.
High Humidity
One of your air conditioner’s functions is to keep humidity under control. Excessive humidity inside your home can exacerbate health conditions such as allergies or asthma or can lead to mold, mildew, and other problems. Your AC should naturally pull humidity from your home as it cools. If you’re noticing excessive humidity in your home, this is a sign your AC is no longer doing its job.
Short Cycling
Your air conditioner will turn itself on and off to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. However, short, frequent cycling is not normal, and a sign that your AC is working harder than it should. Short cycling might happen for a few reasons: because your air filter is clogged, you need a refill on refrigerant, or your AC compressor is failing.
Frequent Repairs
Most appliances need repairs from time to time, and air conditioners are no exception. Promptly fixing minor issues and scheduling regular maintenance checkups are the best ways to extend the lifespan of your AC unit. However, there comes a point when the cost of repair is no longer worth the investment of a replacement. If your AC unit needs frequent repairs, it might be time to install a new one. Installing a new, more efficient cooling system can save you money in the long run.
Your Air Conditioner is Over 10-15 Years Old
Even with proper upkeep, all air conditioners have a finite lifespan. If your unit is over 10 years old and is no longer functioning efficiently, it’s time for an AC replacement. Newer, modern systems are more energy efficient and available in a wide variety of sizes and styles to suit your family’s needs. By upgrading your AC, you can beat the heat while saving on monthly energy bills.
Your AC system is essential to keep you and your family comfortable during the hot summer months. If your air conditioner isn’t running properly, hiring a professional HVAC technician is the best way to find out if your unit needs to be repaired or needs replacement. Even minor issues can turn serious when left unchecked. Contact us today at Lynn’s Heating, Cooling, Sewer, and Drain.
Greetings, I’m Dallas. I’m a small business owner living in Winnipeg, MB, Canada and operate Lynn’s HVAC Winnipeg: Heating Cooling Sewer & Drain.
Lynn’s HVAC Winnipeg plumbing, heating, cooling is a small family owned and operated business since 1980. We pride ourselves on quality work completed by licensed technicians. We believe our outstanding customer service sets us apart from other Winnipeg residential plumbing, heating and cooling companies. Experience the difference and be a part of the Lynn’s family! “We provide comfort at your door!”
Services we provide:
– HVAC repair, – AC repair & install, – Furnace repair & install, – Hot water tanks, – Water heaters, – Clogged drains & sewage, – Plumbing
Areas we serve:
Winnipeg, Oakbank, Beausejour, La Salle, Ile Des Chênes, Stonewall, Niverville, Gimli, Ste. Francois Xavier, Landmark, Selkirk, Steinbach, Stony Mountain, Winnipeg Beach, Lorette & More!
