Signs Air Conditioning Replacement Is Needed
Considering air conditioner replacement can be more stressful than some homeowners can handle. Instead of facing the problem, they may resort to denial. In their denial, they may start to ignore and rationalize some signs that make them think their air conditioner is about to fail. Unfortunately, ignoring the signs won't make the air conditioner last longer.
Instead, homeowners should turn their stress into proactivity. By recognizing the signs that the air conditioner is failing, homeowners can start planning for new air conditioner installation before the current system fails. Here are the three top signs that AC replacement will be necessary shortly.
The House Is Still Warm
It is common for an air conditioner to lose efficiency as it ages. At some point, it will lose enough efficiency to fail to keep up. The home will stay warm and muggy even after the air conditioner has been running for a while. This is the first sign that an air conditioner replacement will be needed.
In some cases, the air conditioner may only have temporarily lost efficiency. If so, AC maintenance can allow technicians to clean dirty coils and replace air filters to restore performance. If this has been done annually, then this is likely not the problem. AC replacement will be the only way to restore lost efficiency.
Energy Bills Have Crept Higher
When the air container fails to cool the home, it will run longer cycles to reach the thermostat's setpoint. Often, the homeowner notices that the air conditioner is constantly running, who will then call a technician for repairs. However, if this problem goes unchecked, the homeowner will first notice higher bills.
Air conditioning bills will naturally creep up as the unit loses efficiency. Tracking these bills over time is the best way to spot negative trends in power usage. Likewise, tracking bills is the easiest way to spot spikes indicative of major failures in the air conditioner. When any disparities are noticed with the utility bills, HVAC technicians should be the first people called to search for the cause of higher bills. If the air conditioner is found to be the problem, upgrading to a new AC unit will be the only way to lower bills.
Unusual Odors and Smells
The final signs that air conditioning replacement may be a good idea are typical of units that need repairs. When problems arise with the air conditioner, often new noises and odors accompany the issue. The new noises may manifest as screeching or banging noises that indicate mechanical problems, or they can be as subtle as a gentle bubbling sound coming from refrigerant lines.
The odors may manifest as burning smells from ruined electrical parts or mildew that indicates a loss of dehumidifying power on the part of the air conditioner. When these symptoms manifest in an older unit, the problems are usually systemic. AC replacement can deal with all of the associated problems in one swoop and put an end to frequent, costly repairs.
About Cleary Plumbing & Air
Cleary Plumbing & Air technicians are always available to help with plumbing and HVAC repairs. Their crews offer the latest technology and guaranteed service when it comes time for AC replacement. Call today for HVAC service in West Palm Beach, FL.
