Despite adequate care and upkeep, the air conditioning system will eventually lose efficiency with a need for more frequent repairs or possibly breakdown entirely. This leads to the question of whether it’s more cost-efficient to continue to fix the problems or relent to a replacement. These issues usually develop due to age.
You can continue to push the old system beyond its capabilities, but then you’re risking the potential for a shutdown in the sweltering heat of the summer. Considering the progressively worsening heat experienced over much of the country in the summer, this can be dangerous for your health and safety.
How do you know when it’s time to upgrade your air conditioner with Logan in Cincinnati before it decides to stop running? Let’s look at warning signs to pay attention for.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioning
Air conditioning units typically last roughly ten years with adequate care and upkeep including professional preventive maintenance. Because of the considerable investment in buying a new system, many Cincinnati homeowners push the equipment to its limits with the idea of saving money.
In fact, the old system will cost more in more frequent inspections and repairs, not to mention increasing utility costs compared to an investment in a modern and more efficient unit. Plus, you risk the chance of the system completely breaking down leaving you without a cooling resource in extreme temperatures.
Fortunately, it doesn’t need to come to that because there are telltale signs when the AC is struggling. Here are the red flags to watch for so you can inquire with your HVAC repair contractor when it’s time for a replacement.
The airflow
When the air coming from the vents is off compared to what you’re used to, a severe issue could be developing with the equipment. For instance, instead of cool air, it’s blowing warm. This could indicate a broken compressor or a number of other components.
Another issue is the potential for a decreased airflow. The common problems associated with this include:
- Air duct problems
- Air filter clogged
- Blower motor issues
If there’s a foul odor when the air blows from the vents, there’s the potential for mold to develop within the unit. This can present serious health risks making it necessary to reach out to an AC contractor for an inspection and solution.
No response when setting the thermostat
The thermostat is the hub for air conditioning equipment controlling its function such as when it should turn on/off. If there’s an issue with the thermostat, you may notice uneven cooling throughout the house or the system could run erratically or not function at all despite the room temperature rising.
Problems with the thermostat can range from simplistic such as the batteries needing to be replaced or more complex electrical issues that must be addressed by a qualified professional. Visit Introduction to How to Repair Central Air Conditioners | HowStuffWorks – for tips on repairing your HVAC equipment.
Frequent inspections and repairs
Routine preventive maintenance is a necessity to keep the HVAC system operating at peak efficiency. Inspections and tune-ups for newer equipment are in either the spring or fall annually. With older units, the recommendation is that it is serviced twice both in the spring and fall.
When you’re consistently calling the repair contractor for service despite having preventive maintenance, it’s a warning that the unit is near or at the end of its lifespan. A reputable and credentialed AC tech will inspect and offer guidance as to whether it’s worth continuing the repairs or if you should replace the system.
Replacing old HVAC equipment with a modern, more efficient system will be much more cost-efficient if you are constantly having repairs.
Leaks from the system
When signs of leaks appear around the equipment, it’s critical to contact a professional AC repair contractor. These can result from moisture building up around the HVAC unit or refrigerant leaking, posing a considerable health risk. In either case, the air conditioner is not operating as it’s intended.
In this case, the repair contractor will advise on which solution is most suitable for your home and budget, either extensive repairs to bring the unit back to life or fully replacing the equipment.
Where there’s moisture or leaks, mold can develop and spread throughout the walls, carpeting, throughout the structure. Mold and moisture can cause major damage with the need for expensive property repairs despite having extensive AC unit repairs already.
Final Thought
When you’re uncertain whether you should repair or replace your air conditioning equipment, it’s wise to reach out to a quality and qualified AC repair contractor.
The tech will do a full inspection and offer their recommendations as to the best solution for your household and budget. Go here to learn when the right time is to replace your unit.
