Air con keeps us cool in summer and warms us up in the winter, but like all appliances, one year will be its last. No matter how well you maintain and service your unit, there will come a time when it starts to lose its efficiency and break down – meaning that it’s time to replace air conditioner.
The worst case scenario would be your unit giving up in the middle of summer, right when most tradespeople are at their busiest, meaning it could be weeks before you can get a new system installed.
ACs are built to last. Most popular brands, such as Samsung, offer long warranties on their units and top quality AC specialists like ourselves provide warranties on installations.
However, the reality is that your AC system won’t last forever. As with all machines, general wear and tear, advances in technology, and breakdowns mean that you will eventually need to replace air conditioner. But how do you know when to do so?
To avoid a disaster scenario, you need to be prepared to look for the warning signs that may mean it’s time to replace air conditioner.
There are a couple of signs you should keep an eye out for – some of these are obvious, some not so much. Let’s take a look, and if you’re thinking of replacing your unit, give us a call today! We want to ensure you are comfortable all year round.
From sounds to smells to bills, here are some signs that it might be time to replace air conditioner.
1. Your Energy Bills Are Higher Than Usual
One of the most common symptoms that your AC might need replacing is if your energy bills are higher than usual. However, this may be difficult to ascertain – bills do fluctuate throughout the year.
One of the best ways to know for certain is to compare your new bill with a bill from the same cycle from prior years.
If you notice your bill is significantly higher, this may be due to a poorly functioning system. If your unit is struggling to do its job, it will work even harder to ensure the climate remains controlled, which in turn consumes more energy.
If you have noticed a sudden hike in your energy bills, it’s a good idea to ask an electrician to do a thorough energy audit. Your AC could be the culprit. Any machine that is overworked or damaged could easily be losing its efficiency, costing you more money each month.
Replacing that dying AC could actually save you money, instead of draining it.
2. Your Air Conditioner Is Leaking
One of the most common problems that AC specialists are called in for is a refrigerant leak. New systems should be 100% sealed, with no leakage. However, over time, the integrity of seals can be disrupted, resulting in leakages.
Condensation around an air con unit is pretty normal, however, excessive leakage of water can point to a more serious issue with your system. Leaking coolant can be a health risk, and water can damage floors, furniture and carpet, so it’s best you address the problem right away.
This can be fixed; however, if your system is getting on in years, this may be a sign to replace.
3. Your Air Conditioner Is Making Unhealthy Noises
Is your internal unit making strange noises? We’re afraid to say; this definitely isn’t a good thing. Strange noises indicate a fault of some kind – usually the result of general wear and tear over time.
It’s pretty normal for an air conditioner unit to have a slight hum, but if it’s anything louder like a clicking, grinding, rattling or whining sound, particularly while starting the unit up, it could be a sign of parts moving when they shouldn’t be.
Running a unit in this condition could cause further damage, so it’s best that you seek the advice of a professional before continuing to run your system.
Unless your system is quite outdated, it should operate very smoothly with no audible fluttering or grinding noises. If your unit is making noises, you should have it looked at. It may need replacing, or at the very least, a proper service.
If HunterCON installed your AC, no need to sweat! Our five-year warranty program has you covered.
4. Your Air Conditioner Smells Strange
Have you noticed a strange smell every time your air con unit is turned on? Unusual smells could indicate a problem with your fans, ducting or filter, such as a build-up of dust or mould, or even something more detrimental to your system.
The smell of burning rubber, chemicals, mould or must – anything out of the ordinary – may indicate something is faulty or worn out and that your system has met its end.
The last thing you want is your AC circulating foul odours throughout your space.
5. Your System Constantly Needs to be Repaired
Is your AC unit costing you a fortune in repairs? It might be time to bite the bullet and get a new one. It may be hard to decide when to do so, as installing a new unit will always cost more than it would to have it fixed.
Here’s a good way to look at it: take the age of your unit and times it by the cost of a repair – if this number is more than $5,000, it might be time to get a new one.
6. Lack of Air Flow
If you hold up your hand to your air con unit and you find that there isn’t a lot of air coming out, or that it just doesn’t seem to push fresh air across the room like it used to, there could be problems with your air conditioner’s compressor or its vents could be blocked or damaged.
Depending on the age of the unit, this may be a small maintenance issue, or something more serious, but if you notice it in conjunction with other signs it might be a good idea to call your air con specialist.
7. Your System is Older than 10-15 Years
The average air con system lasts between 10 and 15 years, so if your system is any older, you can probably expect to see some problems arise.
Next Steps After You Decide to Replace Air Conditioner
If any of these signs apply to your AC unit and you are considering installing a new one (or if yours is in need of repair), get in touch with us for a quote today. With over 9 years experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient service of the highest quality.
