Signs It's Time To Replace The Air Conditioner
Summer is just around the corner, which means extreme temperatures and humidity aren't far behind. You rely on your air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable, so when the temperatures outside start to rise, you'll want to make sure your air conditioner is in its best condition. So, how do you know when to contact air conditioning repair services for repairs or if you should replace the air conditioner? Here are some common signs that it's time to go ahead and replace the air conditioning system.
Age of the AC Unit
The average lifespan of an air conditioner is about 10-12 years, typically more on the latter side if the air conditioner has been routinely maintained. The lifespan of the unit depends on how much air conditioning repair and maintenance has been done on the system. If it seems like you are having more repairs more frequently, then it has probably reached the end of its lifespan, and you should go ahead and replace the system.
Increasing Energy Bills
Monthly energy bills are naturally a little higher during the summer months, but that doesn't mean they should be extreme. There are a number of signs that the air conditioner is working harder than it should, causing the energy bills to be higher than normal. For instance, rusted evaporator coils or a leak in the air ducts will cause the system to work harder than it needs to. If you haven't had routine maintenance and taken care of the air conditioning system repairs as soon as they occur, the chances are the system isn't in optimal condition and is costing you more in energy than it should.
Puddles Around the Unit
If you are noticing water or puddles of refrigerant around the unit, it typically means there is a leak inside or something has frozen, causing a leak. Without proper air conditioning repair, a minor leak can cause excess stress on the unit, and it will eventually stop working. Leaking refrigerant can be dangerous, especially if you have pets, so it is important that you contact local air conditioning repair services as soon as possible to replace the unit.
House Isn't as Cool as it Should be
If the air conditioner is continually running, but the temperatures in your home are not cooling down, the compressor may be damaged or there may be a leak in the air ducts; both of which can be repaired. But, if the problem continues or repairs aren't done, it will stress the system out to the point of it failing completely. So, if you are noticing uneven temperatures or the house not cooling at all, contact an air conditioning company to inspect the unit and determine if it's time to replace it.
If you need to have more and more air conditioning repair services, it's usually better to go ahead and replace the system. The warmer it gets, the more problems you will start to see, and if the system has had several major repairs already, it will be more cost effective for you to replace the unit.