When Is the Right Time for AC Replacement?
The air conditioner is a vital piece of equipment in every home. To beat the heat year after year, air conditioners must work continually. Unfortunately, after years of reliable service, there will come a time when it is more expedient to replace the air conditioner than to keep it running by patching it together with repairs. The hard part is knowing the perfect time to do this.
Since air conditioners are so expensive, there is no need to replace an air conditioner early. However, if homeowners wait until it is too late, they could be left with unnecessarily high repair bills and no air conditioning. Here are a few tips to help homeowners determine the perfect time for air conditioner replacement.
The Air Conditioner Runs But the House Isn't Cool
The air conditioner has one job: keeping the home cool despite the blazing heat outside. Every air conditioner is designed to effectively cool a space, so when it fails to do so, it is a sign of a severe problem. Most often, a home that is still warm despite the air conditioner running boils down to two things. The first is weak airflow.
Poor airflow means there isn't enough power to push air through the home, or an obstruction prevents free airflow. This could mean damaged ductwork or a blower unit on its last legs. AC replacement can restore cooling power and allow the home to be comfortable once again.
In addition to weak airflow, warm air coming from the vents is another cause of a warm home that may indicate the need for AC replacement. The likely cause is a low refrigerant charge, which indicates a leak in the coils. Repairing and replacing coils is difficult and expensive, so many technicians recommend AC replacement instead.
Energy Bills Are Out of Control
When an air conditioner starts to run long cycles, as described above, there is a secondary sign that owners should look out for. All that extra run time will appear on the utility bill until the problem is fixed. Often, an air conditioner will slowly show signs of difficulty keeping up, so people won't notice the heat building in the home. The earliest sign will likely be higher bills.
AC replacement can restore lost efficiency to the home. Homeowners can immediately enjoy efficient performance to keep the home cool and lower monthly bills.
New Noises or Odors
The final signs that an air conditioner replacement may be needed are based on the noises and smells produced by the equipment. Owners should watch out for signs like:
- Banging noises
- Burning odors
- Chemical smells
- Musty odors
- Screeching sounds
- Electrical odors
Any of these are strong indications that AC repairs are needed, but if many of them occur at once, it can mean the air conditioner is about to fail. Considering AC replacement earlier can ease the stress of the replacement process.
About Boutwell's Air Masters
Boutwell's Air Masters has over 50 years of experience keeping local homes cool. Qualified and highly rated technicians perform AC installations and repairs to the highest levels of craftsmanship. Call today for AC service in Pensacola, FL.
