An efficient air conditioner is an essential fixture in your home. Our hot, humid weather makes a good cooling system important if you want to stay comfortable throughout the warm weather months. Even the best unit won’t last forever. Watch for these key signs that you will soon need to replace your system.
1. An Unexpected Increase in Energy Bills
If your cooling costs are steadily increasing, but your air conditioner use hasn’t changed, your energy efficiency is on the decline. This is one of the key changes that you’ll notice as your system nears the end of its lifespan. A decrease in efficiency can indicate failing parts. Upgrading to a new AC system will give you better efficiency due to the improved technology and save you from the increasing costs of an aging installation.
2. High Humidity or Musty Smells
Your air conditioner naturally dehumidifies the home. Cool air holds less moisture than warm air. As air blows over the evaporator coils, the air leaves some of its moisture behind. This drips through the condensate drain and exits the system. If your air conditioner is failing, it won’t cool and dehumidify the air as efficiently as it used to. A humid or musty home is a sign of an air conditioner that may need a replacement soon.
3. An Aging Air Conditioner
The average lifespan for an air conditioner is 10 to 15 years. If your system is nearly a decade old, you should start thinking about a replacement. A new system will deliver enhanced comfort due to modern developments in cooling technology. Features like a variable speed system can help you keep your home comfortable while trimming your utility bills. Planning ahead for a replacement will give you more time to consider the features you want in your new purchase.
4. Frequent Repair Needs
If you have multiple repairs over a short period of time, you may discover that fixing your system is more expensive over time than replacing it. If you have multiple AC repairs in the same year, you may want to talk to your repair technician about the source of the issues. An experienced professional can help you assess the state of your air conditioner and determine whether a new system is the most affordable long-term solution.
5. You Don’t Have Cool Air
If your system isn’t blowing cold air anymore, it’s not functioning properly. You can call a repair technician to assess the problem and determine whether there’s a quick repair that will solve your issue. If not, you should consider replacing your air conditioner to get effective cooling again.
If you’ve experienced some of these troublesome signs, it’s likely time for a new air conditioner. Contact Del-Air to learn more about your options. We can help you assess your needs and recommend a unit that will give you the comfort and energy efficiency that you’re looking for.