The summer heat in New Jersey is no joke for your air conditioner. Your AC system has to work harder to keep your home cool, therefore breakdowns are most common during this time of year. It’s critical that you become familiar with the top 8 indicators that your air conditioner needs to be replaced as a homeowner with an old AC unit.
#1 Your Air Conditioner Uses R22 Refrigerant
An R-22 refrigerant is required for older air conditioners and heating systems (Freon). Due to the harmful environmental effects of R22, the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) banned its import and production in 2020. Future repairs on AC systems that use R22 will end up being more expensive in the long run due to their high cost and restricted access to refrigerant.
#2 Your AC Unit is Old
The average lifespan of an air conditioning system is 10 to 15 years. If your equipment is nearing or has passed its service life, you may wish to replace it with a more efficient unit and look into AC financing options. The cost of a new AC unit may be high, but the greater efficiency it delivers will save money on utility bills and repairs over time.
#3 AC System is Making Strange Noises and Smells like Sulfur
What causes the sound of my air conditioner to make a clicking noise? A hissing noise? A shriek? There are numerous noises that your air conditioner generates, many of which might suggest that your cooling system needs maintenance or even replacement. Because the outdoor unit is operating, most of these strange noises come from it. Electrical problems, refrigerant leaks, condensate drain blockage, fan motor bearings failing, and more are just a few reasons for these noises. If you hear strange noises coming from your AC system, it’s best to schedule an appointment with an AC repairman.
Have you noticed an unpleasant smell coming from your air conditioner? If your air conditioner has a musty odor while it is operating, there may be a buildup of mold in the system. Mold spores are carried inside your home by this mold contamination, making your family quite ill. When you notice a powerful burning smell, there’s a good chance that something is wrong with the electricity wiring in your house.
#4 Frequent Repairs
We understand that homeowners want their air conditioning units to operate for as long as possible, but if you’re calling your AC repair company every few weeks and replacing parts of your system, it’s probably time to think about a replacement. When forklifting money for repairs that only extend the life of your unit for a short period of time is pointless and puts strain on your household finances. We understand that buying a new air conditioner isn’t always in your budget, which is why Urban Mechanical’s AC technicians advise you when your system is approaching the end of its life cycle so you may explore financing alternatives.
#5 AC is Blowing Warm Air
If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, it’s possible that your compressor or refrigerant levels are out of whack. If your air conditioner isn’t keeping your home cool, there could be a problem with the ductwork, which is taking cooled outside air rather than from the AC compressor. Our Trane-certified specialists will be able to identify the problem and decide whether it’s repairable or if the AC system needs to be replaced.
#6 Little to No Air Flow
If you notice that the vents are not releasing any air or the airflow is very feeble, your central air conditioning system is not distributing air properly throughout your property. In the heat of summer, slow ventilation can cause you and your family to be excessively hot and uncomfortable. Air ducts or compressors may frequently be faulty if there is a lack of air flow.
#7 Build Up of Water Underneath the Air Conditioner
While you may notice condensate moisture near your air conditioner, puddles or clumps of discolored water might be a bigger concern. Refrigerant leaks are a major worry because refrigerants are hazardous. Because blocked or broken drain lines can result in condensate leaks, they should be examined by an AC repair technician.
#8 Increase in Energy Bills
It’s typical for energy bills to go up during the summer. However, if your energy bill rises without reason, there is a chance that your AC system has suffered from reduced efficiency. There might be an underlying problem with your ductwork, thermostat, or air conditioning unit that is approaching its end of life.
