5 Signs That You Need a New AC Unit

 

Whatever the case may be, what's likely is that after enjoying the hot summer months, you'll want to relax at home in the blissfully air-conditioned space. However, if your current air conditioning is not working properly, makes alarming noises when you turn it on, or smells foul, you'll hardly find it relaxing to hang out inside. Not to mention, if your air conditioner hardly emits any hot air, it's hardly worth having at all! As per the air conditioning repair Hickory, NC, experts these are all signs you should think about getting a new AC unit.

1. Your HVAC System is Old

Most HVAC units last between 15 and 20 years, depending on the level of maintenance they received during their lifespan. If your cooling unit is getting on in years or is even older, replacing it may be a good idea. Often, warranties no longer cover models older than the typical lifespan. This means that between parts and labor costs, any repairs your aging system needs could cost as much as installing a brand-new machine.

Since the "health" of new AC units varies depending on the level of care they receive, a thumb rule is that if yours is more than 12-years-old and has required frequent repairs in the last two years, it's time for a replacement AC installation service.

2. Your Energy Bills Are Increasing

Do your energy costs seem higher than usual? As per the air conditioning repair Hickory, NC, experts, older machines have to work harder to cool your home, which reflects in your monthly utility bills. You might be thinking, "But my home isn't even cooling properly." This is because the machine isn't able to cool efficiently.

Subsequently, your existing AC unit can't get the interior temperature to match what you've set on the thermostat, so it keeps "cooling" even if nothing is happening. This can result in significant costs on your energy bills.

Should this be the case, it's worth upgrading to a new AC unit, so you can reduce your bills for years to come. Also, many new AC units are more energy-efficient, benefiting both your wallet and your utility bill.

3. Liquid is pooling around the Unit

All air conditioning in Hickory, NC, creates moisture to some extent, as this is a normal byproduct of the chemical reaction that creates cool air, but you shouldn't see pooling water anywhere near the unit. Properly functioning systems should handle moisture without issue, so if you see liquid near the machine. This means the machine won't work properly, which means you might need a new AC unit.

4. Your AC Unit is Loud

Does it seem like your system is much louder than it used to be? If your AC unit is keeping you up at night because it's making noisy sounds like squeaking, grinding, or rattling, it means you need a new system. While most AC units make a small amount of noise, you shouldn't notice it. Strange noises are a sign the machine is too old to work correctly.

5. Your AC Unit Smells Bad

It almost goes without saying that to smell your AC system is a horrible idea. The air should be clean and neutral smell. However, turning the AC on and it smells smoky or like burning plastic indicates a very serious problem. You need to call a qualified AC repairman right away.