It’s a good idea to plan ahead for an air conditioner replacement so that you aren’t left making a last-minute decision because of a major breakdown. The question is, how do you know when it is time for a new air conditioning installation in Goodview? Our team is here to help you answer just that question.
Keep reading to learn more about some of the signs that your air conditioner is nearing the end of its lifespan. If your air conditioner is older and you’re simply not sure how much life it has left, you can always schedule a tune-up with our team. We can review any problems that we find and talk to you about how long we think your air conditioner will last and what your options are for either repair or replacement.
Age of the System
One of the first indications that it’s time for a new air conditioner is the age of your current unit. On average, you can expect an air conditioner to last for anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Sometimes air conditioners can last even longer, although we don’t recommend leaving older air conditioners in place past the 15-year mark.
This is because technology has become outdated compared to the models that we are installing today. Even if your air conditioner is still operating, you may be sacrificing things such as indoor air quality and energy efficiency, ultimately spending more to keep your home cool. Once your air conditioner is nearing the 15-year mark, it’s time to begin thinking about an upgrade.
Significant Changes in Operation
A big red flag that your air conditioner is running out of life is noticing significant changes in how your air conditioner operates. For example, you may notice that your air conditioner turns on and stays on for an extended period of time for each cooling cycle. This can mean that your air conditioner is struggling to cool your home the way it used to. Alternatively, you may notice that your air conditioner turns on and off over and over again without staying on for longer than a few minutes at a time.
When this happens, it usually means that some type of safety mechanism inside of the unit is triggering it to turn off before a cooling cycle can be completed. It’s possible that your home still feels comfortable, but it may not for much longer. Inefficient operating cycles can cause your energy costs to skyrocket and leave your home feeling too warm, too humid, or both.
Unusual Smells or Sounds
You should also pay attention to things like unusual sounds or odors coming from your air conditioner. Any sound that falls outside of normal during a cooling cycle should be considered a red flag. Sounds are not always loud or alarming. Sometimes a persistent clicking or rattling can be quiet but equally as concerning as louder sounds.
Bad odors are also worrisome since your air conditioner should never produce any type of smell. Burning odors, damp or moldy odors, and any chemical-like smells can point to different problems. Something inside of your air conditioner may be overheating or you may have mold growth or moisture buildup and even refrigerant leaks that need to be addressed.
We can help you make the best decisions for AC service. Rely on the experts at W.C. Butler Heating and Air Conditioning and schedule an appointment today.