7 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

June 6, 2018
9:14 am

BJ (Hermingdlo) Reyes, Installation HVAC Technician

BJ is a keen and friendly installation technician who will make sure your brand new air conditioner is fitted perfectly in your home. With over 5 years of experience in HVAC, BJ understands that every home has different HVAC needs. He is passionate about picture-perfect installations and will make sure every detail is up-to-scratch. When he’s not playing his favourite video games or keeping up with TV series, you can find him ice-skating.

Your HVAC system can make your life comfortable both in the hot summers and the cold winters. But just like all appliances, air conditioning units don’t last forever; over time, they start becoming inefficient. Often, how long your HVAC unit lasts depends on such factors as how frequently it’s used and the climate in which you live.

However, regularly serviced units usually last longer than poorly maintained ones. While this is the case, even the well-maintained air conditioning systems run into problems after some time. This is the reason we have a compiled the 7 most common tell-tale signs indicating that you should consider replacing your HVAC unit sooner.

When your unit starts blowing cold or hot air that’s inconsistent with your temperature settings
An older air conditioning unit may be producing regular air levels alright, but the air may not be hot or cold as per the settings. It may even stop heating or cooling altogether. When this happens, it’s time to call in a professional for inspection because there could be a serious problem. For instance, when your unit produces warm air when you’ve set it for cooling, it could be having a damaged compressor. Inconsistent temperatures; like when some rooms are hot and others cold, can also be a red flag. While it could be a problem with the valves or filters, the entire unit may be heading out.
When you begin experiencing diminished airflow
Your HVAC unit may soon need replacing if when in operation, there’s very little or completely no cold air being produced. This may be a sign of a failing compressor or some other major component. While you can do some inspection yourself, like checking the filters, call in a professional to rule out significant problems.
Your unit is producing excess moisture or leaking
Some types of air conditioners drip some water or condensation outside the house, which is normal. However, most air conditioning units should normally stay dry whether they are in use or not. So if your unit starts leaking or producing a lot of condensation in the house, then be ready; you might need a replacement.You realize that water and electrical components combination can be hazardous, so for safety reasons, an inspection by a professional will be necessary. The air conditioning technician will also find out the cause of the problem and advice you whether it needs a repair or you’ll have to install a new unit.
Your unit short cycles
To maintain set temperatures throughout the house, an air conditioner may cycle on and off. This is quite normal. However, if you are having trouble getting your unit started or if it frequently switches itself on and off, then it could be having a significant problem. If not corrected in time, short cycling may make the entire unit fail altogether.
It is emitting strange smells or noises
Properly functioning HVAC systems operate almost silently. Minor sound changes could mean you unit needs some repairs. For instance, some part in the unit has loosened, or the fan is not working correctly. However, more strange noises like a grinding, screeching, rattling, or buzzing could mean a major fault that will call for a replacement.Unusual odors could also indicate problems. Maybe the insulation has been damaged, or the ductwork is moldy or the filter needs replacement. If such minor problems are addressed, and the foul smell doesn’t go away, you might want to replace the entire unit. Properly functioning HVAC systems operate almost silently. Minor sound changes could mean you unit needs some repairs. For instance, some part in the unit has loosened, or the fan is not working correctly. However, more strange noises like a grinding, screeching, rattling, or buzzing could mean a major fault that will call for a replacement.

Unusual odors could also indicate problems. Maybe the insulation has been damaged, or the ductwork is moldy or the filter needs replacement. If such minor problems are addressed, and the foul smell doesn’t go away, you might want to replace the entire unit.
When your unit needs frequent repairs
If your air conditioner has become more of an expense, requiring frequent repairs, then you really should consider replacing it. Typically, an air conditioner should be serviced once or twice a year to keep it in top shape. But if yours needs constant repairing and mending, several times a year, a major component could be defective, and replacement may be the more efficient and economical option.While you can do a major repair or replace a major part, often, such serious repairs result in future issues. When your unit needs a complex repair after its warranty has expired, you’d better get a new unit.
When you have increased energy bills

Your unit may seem to be working quite normally, but if you notice that your energy bills have suddenly hiked, and after some “energy audit” you single out your air conditioner as the culprit, then find out why it has become so less inefficient. It could be overworking due to some major underlying problem. Try cleaning the vents, check for knots and lumps in its condensing oil, and replace the filters. An air conditioning technician will help you determine whether its working life has come to an end.

So in case you have detected any of the above signs, you should have your HVAC system thoroughly checked by a professional to determine whether it needs repairs or replacement. Acting quickly may save you a possible replacement.

Give us a call on (02) 8061 5023 to discuss your needs and book a Free Quote for air conditioning replacement for your old or broken split wall air conditioning or ducted air systems.