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6 Signs Your AC Unit Needs Replacing

woman with blanket draped over her shoulders sitting on couch, pointing remote at ductless ac unit behind her

When it comes to your daily comfort, your air conditioning unit is one of your home’s most important appliances. You count on this device to bring cool, breezy relief when the temperatures outside get too hot, but unfortunately, your AC unit isn’t built to last forever!

Did you know that your air conditioning unit often shows signs that it’s in need of replacement? Most homeowners don’t, which is why so many people wait until their units completely give up the ghost on them before taking action. Once you’re able to recognize the following signs that you should replace your air conditioning unit, you’ll know when it’s time to call a professional for help.

1. Your AC Is 10+ Years Old

Like most appliances in your home, your air conditioning unit is probably only meant to last 10-15 years before replacement. While many can function for much longer than this, they often do so by consuming as much as twice the electricity of newer models.

If your AC is over 10 years old, it’s also more prone to breakdowns that can lead to costly repairs. By replacing it early enough, you can end up saving yourself hundreds or even thousands of dollars spent on an older, inefficient unit that’s prone to failure.

2. You’re Often Calling for Repairs

If you find yourself calling an HVAC tech to repair your AC unit several times a year, this could be another sign that it’s time to replace the whole unit. While even well-functioning units require a tune-up from time to time, it’s not normal for any AC unit to break down frequently. As previously mentioned, what you would spend on repairs you could probably save by getting a newer AC that functions as it should!

3. You Hear Strange Sounds

Air conditioning units can make all sorts of sounds, but some mean that you should consider a replacement. If you hear any kind of grinding, squeaking, clattering, or banging, these are all signs that there’s something wrong and it’s probably time to replace your unit!

4. Your AC Is Making Weird Smells

Air conditioner units are supposed to fill your home with clean, temperature-treated air. If you notice that your home starts to smell odd when the AC is running, this is usually a sign that something is seriously wrong with it. If you’re smelling any ozone or burning smells, it’s best to turn off your AC and immediately contact a technician for help.

5. Your AC Unit Is ‘Sweating’

It’s normal for a bit of moisture to build up when your AC unit is running, but excessive moisture is not. Rather, an AC unit that appears to “sweat” a lot is a sign that there’s something wrong with its refrigeration components. Specifically, your AC may have a refrigerant leak, which can be costly to repair – if it can be reliably repaired at all.

Because this is a crucial component of your overall AC system, it’s probably worth a replacement of your AC unit to ensure a long, cost-effective running life ahead.

6. Inexplicable Rise in Energy Costs

You probably know what to expect when your energy bill comes due, so any unanticipated rise in your energy use might come as a surprise. If you find yourself owing the power company a lot more than normal, it’s possible that your AC unit is to blame.

Over time, AC units run less efficiently than they did when they were brand new. This can be expected, especially for much older units, but a sudden or dramatic rise in your energy costs can mean that there’s either something critically wrong with your AC or that it’s simply time to replace it with an energy-efficient model.

Do You Need to Replace Your AC?

If you think you need to replace your air conditioning unit but don’t know where to start, reach out to the experts at Patterson Plumbing & Heating, Inc. With one call, we’ll come out to inspect your current AC unit and let you know how you may benefit from replacing it. Rest assured that we’ll provide you with the information and options you need to make the best decision for your home!

For more information, contact Patterson Plumbing & Heating, Inc. online now!

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