Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs A Replacement
Summer is fast approaching, and it’s getting hotter by the day. And, hot weather means most people will be using their air conditioners to get relief from the heat. However, it’s not surprising to find yourself with a malfunctioning air conditioning system anytime during summer. If you find that your system is not working optimally or if it breaks down, it may just need a repair. However, in some cases, your system has reached the end of its air conditioner life expectancy, and an air conditioner replacement might be the best solution. Either way, you need to act fast anytime there is a problem with your unit. That way, you can prevent the situation from getting worse. The worse the problem gets, the longer and even costlier it will be to fix.
Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs A Replacement
Contents
In this article, we discuss some of the common signs, or air conditioner problems, that indicate the need for an air conditioner replacement.
Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air
The main purpose of an air conditioner is to blow and distribute cool air throughout your home. But, it can happen that the cooling unit starts to blow warm air instead of cool air. There are several reasons why this could be happening.
The first thing that homeowners need to do in this instance is to have a look at the thermostat to see if it’s working properly. Check to see if it is in the correct mode, which is the cooling mode. Also, check if it responds correctly when you change the settings. If you try to lower the temperature using the settings on the unit and nothing changes, there might be a problem with the HVAC air filter. A dirty HVAC filter can affect the proper functioning of the air conditioning unit. There might also be a problem with the compressor. An experienced HVAC technician should check and repair the compressor if it is broken.
High Cooling Costs
It is a well-known fact that air conditioning units use a lot of energy and the result is high utility bills. But, if you notice that all of a sudden there has been an unusual increase in the energy bill, it is necessary to find out why there has been such an increase. If you find out that the energy company has not increased the rates, chances are that you have an inefficient air conditioning unit. This means that there is something that is causing the air conditioner to work harder than usual, making it use more energy than it normally needs. Typical causes are clogged HVAC filters and AC refrigerant leaks. Replacing filters is something that you can do yourself. However, when it comes to refrigerant leaks, the assistance of an expert HVAC contractor is required.
Regular Air Conditioner Repairs
The good thing about AC units is that they are quite durable. It is rare for them to give you any problems. In fact, they are made in such a way that you may not have any problems with your unit until after 10 years or more, and it will be due mainly to natural wear and tear. It is around that time that you may find yourself having to call an HVAC technician often to do some air conditioner repairs on the unit. Some homeowners end up opting for an air conditioner replacement so that they get 10 or more years of a machine that works optimally. It is always best to contact a reliable HVAC specialist to help you make the right decision.
Inadequate Air Conditioner Airflow
Another sign that your air conditioning unit is not operating efficiently is when you notice that there is insufficient air conditioner airflow. In most cases, the causes of poor airflow are a broken motor, a clogged filter, or leaky HVAC ductwork. And, in order to fix the airflow issue, it is necessary to address the underlying causes. The better option is to schedule a yearly AC tune-up. That helps to improve efficiency.
Frequent Air Conditioner Cycles
When an AC unit is working normally, it cycles consistently. In the event that the frequency increases, it may be that something is wrong with the air conditioner. An air conditioner tune-up by a professional technician can fix the problem. If the contraption has been cycling frequently from the day it was installed, it could be that you have an oversized system, and replacement is your only option. You need an HVAC specialist to determine the correct size for your home so that you won’t have cycle problems again.
High Humidity
Air conditioners do not just blow cool air throughout the house, they also reduce humidity. That is why being inside an air-conditioned room feels so nice, especially when you have spent time in the sun. When an AC unit is no longer minimizing humidity, being in the house will not be as comfortable as it should be. To fix the issue, the air conditioner needs to be repaired and re-calibrated. Another option is to install a whole-house dehumidifier that reduces humidity in the entire house. An experienced HVAC technician can assist you to make the right decision.
Strange Air Conditioner Noises
It is normal for your unit to make a low hum sound. But, if the sound all of a sudden gets loud, there might be a problem with the machine. If you hear a rattling sound, there might be some loose parts. If there is a grinding noise, the compressor might be broken. Make it a point that you carefully listen to the sound that the contraption is making because the sound will be able to tell you what the problem is. In order to fix this problem, a service call is necessary. The technician will check to see what the real problem is before fixing the unit.
Bad Air Conditioner Smells
Because of moisture inside the unit, it’s not uncommon to find bacteria and various kinds of pathogens in the unit. With time, bad smells will start coming from the air conditioner. No one wants their home to have a bad odor, especially if you entertain a lot. To fix these odor problems, simply contact an HVAC specialist. They will thoroughly clean the system and offer an appropriate solution. You can also get a tune-up to fix the problem. Your technician may even suggest that you install UV lamps.
Air Conditioner Water Leaks
Humidity is reduced by the air conditioner when the air around the coils is cooled enough to cause condensation. The water collects in a container and is channeled out of the system. However, the channel through which the water flows can develop leaks. These leakages need to be fixed by an HVAC technician as soon as they are detected. Otherwise, they can cause damage to various parts of the house, including the floors.
Conclusion
While there are things you can do yourself to fix a problem with your AC unit, such as the replacement of air filters, most problems require the assistance of a licensed technician. The best way to ensure that you are taking the correct steps in as far as your unit is concerned is to contact an expert. An expert will be able to determine whether the issue can be fixed or it would be wiser to replace the unit.
Contact Miller Oil Company For Your Air Conditioning Needs
Miller Oil Company offers outstanding heating and cooling services in Hartford County, Connecticut. We hire top certified technicians who specialize in providing the best HVAC tune-ups, replacements, repairs, as well as fittings. All our technicians have the know-how and experience to tune up your HVAC unit appropriately.
Miller Oil Company guarantees the most affordable heating and cooling services in the area. The maintenance services that we offer will enhance your comfort levels, improve energy efficiency, and minimize your energy bill at the same time. In the event that you require an HVAC repair or a replacement unit, we will recommend the ideal unit for your home, making sure that we stay within your budget. For our clients’ satisfaction, all our work is backed by a guarantee. To schedule a service appointment, simply contact Miller Oil Company today. We offer free, in-house estimates.
Click here to contact us today or give us a call at (860) 745-0326 if you have any questions.