Air conditioners are essential appliances for getting through the hot summer months, but like any equipment, they will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. At Blown Away HVAC, we understand that figuring out whether it’s time for an air conditioning replacement or if a few repairs would suffice is difficult. Below, we’ve outlined a few of the signs that indicate your unit is at the end of its lifespan.
- Rising Energy Bills. If your electricity bill has been steadily inching higher, the culprit may be an air conditioning unit that’s working too hard and using excessive amounts of energy to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- Uneven Cooling. If certain areas of your home never seem to be cool while others are constantly at an uncomfortably cold temperature, that’s a good sign that your air conditioner is experiencing major performance issues.
- Foul Odors. The air emitting from your unit should have no noticeable scent, so odd smells are often among the first signs it’s time for an air conditioning replacement. Dank, musty smells emitting from your air vents indicate that there is moisture within the unit, while acrid, smokey odors are likely due to overheating or electrical problems. Both types of smells require prompt attention.
- Strange Noises. While the occasional squeak or rattle might not be cause for too much alarm, constant noise coming from your unit means there is likely something wrong with one of the moving parts. Grinding, squealing, clicking, and rattling sounds should all be investigated by a trained professional as soon as possible.
- Constant Repairs. While it’s completely reasonable to want to get as much use as possible out of your air conditioning unit, there comes a point where it becomes more cost-effective to buy a new unit instead of paying for repairs every few months.