Summers don’t have to be sweaty, uncomfortable, and hot when you’re inside the house. Air conditioners are there to save you from the humid weather, so why not make the most of them?
However, as with any other appliances, HVAC units may tend to break down a lot, especially at the most unexpected of times. Even if you’ve already adjusted the temperature to the lowest possible setting, you might still find that there’s not enough cool air coming out from the vents. You might also get a large bill at the end of the month when the components will have to work harder to provide what you need.
One of the best solutions out there is to find a technician who can diagnose the problem for you. They can replace the AC unit if needed and make sure that you’re getting the maximum energy efficiency available in the market. Some of the telltale signs of replacements that you need to know about are the following:
1. Inconsistent Temperature and Air
One of the most common issues of the older HVAC systems is that they just don’t provide enough cool air to the rooms. Sure, you can still feel that it’s producing some air on the vents, but the temperature around you is not consistent with the thermostat settings.
If the production of cold air stops entirely, it might mean expensive repairs or low refrigerant levels. Inconsistency is also a red flag, and when certain parts of the house become hot zones, this just means that the system is nearing the end of its lifespan. Troubleshooting may help, and you can start by inspecting the condensate lines, valves, and filters but be prepared to search for a replacement as soon as possible.
2. Strange Smells or Noises
Fully-functioning ACs are often silent save for the window types. If you know your appliance well, you might already be aware of the sounds that it makes when the compressor turns off and on. The cycles will even become a part of your routine and sound symphony in the home.
Strange and minor changes in the noises may indicate a loose mechanism, damaged fans, or parts that are full of dirt. Buzzing or grating sounds could be an indication that you need to shop for a new one. See more about the noises on this site here.
Unusual scents or the unit giving off a bad odor will mean that the ductwork may be full of mold and the insulation has a lot of dirt or mildew inside it. A quick clean-up and maintenance may do the trick to prevent allergies and illnesses in the family. However, after you wash the vents and you still have those strange smells, it would be the best time for you to replace the unit.
3. Excessive Moisture or Leaks
Water dripping from the lines or a tiny amount of condensation is normal, but when the drip goes inside the house, that’s a different story. Most of the time, ACs tend to stay dry, especially if they are not in use.
Noticing a sudden increase in the condensation leak will mean calling the right technician to see what the issue is all about. They will do assessments and inspections to make sure that the electrical components were not damaged. Others may have a refrigerant leak which requires professional handling because they are too risky. The specialists are going to know the root cause of the excess water and let you know if they can still get repaired in the most cost-effective way possible.
4. A Dramatic Increase in your Bill
Even if you think that everything is fine with your HVAC system and they are functioning normally, one of the biggest signs that they are hiding an issue is through your energy bills. If you still keep the same appliances and there’s a sudden spike in what you’re paying each month, it might be the right time for the technicians to step in and see what’s the problem.
Auditing and assessing the culprit behind the skyrocketing bill will prevent you from experiencing the same problem in the future. Surges are uncommon, and if you find that your air conditioner is becoming too expensive each month, it’s time to get another one with dual inverter technology and a higher SEER rating that you can see more about at this link: https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-dual-inverter-air-conditioner.
Less efficient ACs will blow hot air, and the compressor will work harder to achieve the right temperature that you want. When the unit is showing some signs that it’s struggling, you might want to get the air vents cleaned and replace the filters for any knots or lumps in the condensing coil. Sluggish units are nearing their working life, so don’t hesitate to shop around when needed.
5. Frequent Repairs that are Not Covered by Warranties
If you’re getting charged a lot for repairs, then it’s not worth it to keep the same HVAC around, especially for another year. Constant repairs and mending will wear your AC out, and a replacement can be the more economical choice. Stop paying extra for something that’s at the end of its shelf life.
