There are times when your AC may simply need some maintenance or some minor repairs. However, the problem is sometimes worse than a simple need to call for service and you may have no choice but to replace your unit altogether. In this article, we’re going to give you four signs that it’s time to replace your air conditioning system. We’ll also explain why these signs probably mean it needs to be replaced instead of repaired.
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“I Could Get a New One for That!”
One sure sign that it’s time to replace your air conditioner is when the cost to repair it is half or more the cost of a new air conditioner. This is especially true if you have an older AC, since newer models are far more efficient. If you’ve had two or more repairs equal to a third of the cost of a new unit and receive yet another repair bill, start shopping for a replacement air conditioner.
“There’s No Cold Air, Again”
If the air conditioner is mechanically sound but constantly straining to deliver air to the house, then it may be caused by an underlying issue. For example, your air conditioner may be straining because the ducts are clogged with dirt or collapsed. Or the air filters are so dirty the unit literally cannot breathe, so it strains to get any air, much less distribute cooled air to your home. If this is a constant problem, the issue may be a poor ductwork design incapable of delivering cool air before it warms. You can check out experts in ducted air conditioning here who will determine if the issue can solved by replacing air filters, upgrading ductwork or repairing the AC.
“The Warranty Has Expired”
While actuarial experts are commonly understood to work in life insurance, they also work for major manufacturers crafting warranties. They determine the cost-benefit analysis for every warranty to cover the unit up to the point it is likely to experience costly failures or experience repeated minor failures. If your unit is no longer covered by its warranty, this is a warning sign that the unit is close to its end of life.
“It Smells Bad in Here. The AC Must Be On.”
One possible cause of bad odours is an air filter that needs to be replaced; this is something many homeowners can do themselves. Another reason may be dirty ducts that need to be cleaned. A third cause could be poor drainage in and around the unit like a clogged condensate drain; cleaning that may resolve the problem.
If you find yourself repeatedly needing to clean air filters or drain tubes, something else is going on that needs to be repaired, and most of those causes require expensive repairs. So, it might be a better option to replace if these costs are excessive, especially if the unit is old.
Conclusion
Air conditioners are critical to keeping our homes comfortable. Maintenance extends their life, but they aren’t made to last forever. While some issues can be solved by repairing the unit, there are times when the air conditioner is best replaced with a new unit.
