Summer is here, and the days are long and hot! This is not the time of year to be without a properly working air conditioner. If you feel like your air conditioner can’t keep up, it may be that your AC unit is aging. While replacing your HVAC system is a significant investment for homeowners, it can save you money in the long run. An aging unit may cause costly repairs and higher energy bills.
Signs Your Air Conditioner is Aging
An aging AC unit offers evidence that replacement may be needed. Look for the signs, so you aren’t left without air conditioning in Jacksonville, where the summer heat is intense.
1 – AC Unit Age
One of the easiest ways to know if your air conditioning unit may need replacing is by determining the age of the unit. How well you’ve maintained your unit will impact the age at which your AC unit needs to be replaced. HVAC systems usually last between 10 and 20 years. For lower quality, poorly cared for units, that age will likely be closer to 10 years. One way to extend the life of your HVAC system is with regularly scheduled maintenance for cleaning and inspecting and identifying necessary repairs.
Even if your unit is still working correctly, you may want to upgrade to a new system if your unit is over 10 years old. Newer units are designed to be more energy efficient, which helps lower energy costs. Also, older units use R22 Freon, which will soon no longer be available because of its damaging environmental impact. Don’t wait until replacement Freon isn’t available, upgrade your unit now.
2 – Increased Energy Bills
If you’re experiencing higher energy bills than normal, it could be because your air conditioning unit is no longer working correctly. An aging AC unit often starts being less energy efficient as its components start to get older and not work as well. The system has to run more frequently and harder to keep a stable temperature in your home.
Another sign related to increased energy usage is that your home isn’t as cool even though your AC unit is running. In fact, your AC unit may constantly be running, and your home still not getting cool enough. If you see constant condensation on your windows, it could be that your HVAC system is no longer managing the humidity levels in your home.
It can be wise to replace your HVAC system at this point to save money on your energy bill, maintain the temperature in your home and avoid the damage of excess moisture. As mentioned above, the newer units are more energy efficient than older ones.
3 – Frequent Repairs Needed
Two signs that your AC unit needs repairs are strange sounds and smells. If your AC unit is making strange sounds, it could mean a belt is slipping, which could lead to even costlier repairs if not remedied. Any time your air conditioner is making an unexpected noise, you should have it inspected. Weird smells should also be dealt with. A typical, unwanted smell is a musty odor, which usually means mold is growing somewhere in your system. Mold growth is serious because it can lead to health issues for your family, like breathing problems. A pungent smell is associated with wire insulation damage and requires immediate attention.
Other problems that signal a need for repairs are leaks, poor airflow, or blowing out warm air. If you notice poor airflow, this is a sign of either the AC unit compressor failing or air duct issues. Either way, your system isn’t working correctly and needs repairs.
If you notice that your AC unit is needing more frequent repairs, it may be time to invest in a new HVAC system. In the long run, this could save you money. However, before you decide to purchase a new HVAC system, have a trusted professional inspect your system to make sure that a simple repair won’t solve the problem. Troubleshoot first so you can make an informed decision.
Don’t Waste Money on An Aging AC Unit
Don’t throw money out the window! If your AC unit is aging and no longer works efficiently, consider investing in a new HVAC system. Save money on energy costs and repairs by upgrading your home’s heating and cooling system.
J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing provides quality and trusted HVAC service including air conditioning in Jacksonville, Florida. We are locally owned and operated and believe in quality products and top customer service. Contact us today to discuss solutions for your aging HVAC system.
