7 Telltale Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

If you live in an area where the summers get a little too warm for your comfort, having a working air conditioner can be more than just a comfort factor. In some areas, it can be life or death. So when your unit starts to act a little funny, it can be very concerning. Before the heat waves start rolling in, it’s a good time to check your unit over and make sure that an air conditioning replacement doesn’t need to be on your immediate to-do list. Here are seven signs it may be time:

1. You hear noises or smell something foul when your air conditioner is on.

Some older air conditioning units can be a little bit noisy, but if your unit is much newer, then it should be nearly silent. Additionally, you should never smell anything foul when the air conditioner is on. That’s a sign that the insulation may have become moldy.

2. The air flow out of your vents is very weak.

If you can barely feel any air at all coming out of the vents, it’s a good sign that the air conditioner is suffering from a bad compressor. It could also mean that the filters simply need replacing, but it’s a good idea to check both.

3. It turns off before the desired temperature has been reached, and struggles to turn on.

If your unit is doing what we call “short cycling”, meaning it will randomly turn off before your set temperature has been reached, then it could be as simple as a blown fuse. However, it could also mean that the air conditioner is worn out and ready to retire. The same goes for an air conditioner that doesn’t turn on easily.

4. There is any leakage or moisture around the air conditioner.

You should never see or hear any dripping or leaking around your air conditioner. Sometimes condensation can form on the unit, but if actual liquid is leaking, see a professional.

5. The air conditioner doesn’t blow cool air.

If your air conditioner just doesn’t perform at all, it may be time for an air conditioning replacement.

6. You have had frequent repair needs recently, and the unit’s warranty is expired.

Most air conditioning warranties are designed to last about the lifespan of the air conditioner itself, so if you’re past that, and you’ve paid for repairs out of pocket, consider that it may be time.

7. Your energy bills have increased a lot.

If you’ve seen a dramatic increase in your energy bill this year, it could be that your air conditioner is not working as efficiently as it should.

If you’re ready to have your air conditioning unit checked out by the pros, contact First Choice today for a service call.