How to Know When Your AC Needs to be Replaced

August 29, 2016

Autumn is arriving quickly and your air conditioning system has outlived another cooling season. But surviving this summer doesn’t promise it will keep the cold air coming the next time temperatures soar. Here are common signs that your air conditioner may be on its last legs.

Not cooling well

Your air conditioner is supposed to keep you cool and comfortable on the steamiest of days, so if it’s not keeping you cool (and you’re unable to get comfortable) there’s possibly a problem. There are a lot of situations where your AC may quit cooling – a wrongly calibrated thermostat, a refrigerant leak, or compressor failure. Depending on the problem, it may be better to just let go of your little engine that could, and purchase a newer, more energy-efficient air conditioning system – hopefully one that keeps you cool.

More Frequent Repairs

If you’re requiring air conditioning repairs every summer, it may be time to face facts and purchase a new one. Frequent AC repairs are a good signal that your AC is starting to breakdown and you don’t want to be left in the middle of soaring temperatures with a sweltering hot home.

Rise in Energy Bills

If you see a rise in your cooling bills that could be a signal that something is wrong. If your air conditioning system is working too much overtime, it could end up causing you to work overtime to afford it, and it might be a better decision for you to buy a more energy-efficient AC that can easily lessen your peak season cooling payments.

Drop in Air Flow

If your air isn’t flowing as powerful as it used to be, it could be an indicator that your AC is on its last leg. Inspect your home’s air filters to confirm they do not need replacing and, if not, call a professional to help find the problem.

Constantly Starting Up

If your system is continuously running, more importantly if it’s not blowing much cool air, then you likely have a problem. It might be a problem that’s easy to resolve with a seasonal tune-up, but it could also be a signal that your system has to work more to keep your home cool and comfortable and that results in wasted energy and wasted money.

Weird Noise

If your air conditioning system starts producing strange noises, there could be a problem. Higher pitched noises may mean a problem with one of the motors. Rattling noises might mean a part has come loose. Don’t take any chances. Call an expert to inspect it and determine if it’s an issue worth repairing or if it is going to end up being an ongoing issue.

Signs of Aging

Similar to everything (and everyone), the more something has aged, the weaker it usually gets. Is your system not cooling as efficiently as it did five years ago? Are some rooms cooler or warmer than others? Is it taking longer to get your home cool? These are all typical indicators of an aging system. If your AC is struggling and is nearing or over 10 years in age, call Comfort Masters Service Experts and 847-250-6729 for a complimentary in-home estimate and ask about our current promotions on energy-efficient air conditioning systems.

chat now widget box