Summertime heat can get unbearable at times, making a reliable air conditioner necessary. Air conditioners can last for many years, but the time will come when all air conditioners need replacing. Here are five signs that indicate you might need to get a new air conditioner for your Servicing Delaware, home.

1. The Air Output Isn’t Cold

If your AC unit isn’t putting out cold air, it may just need more refrigerant, or you may need a new thermostat installed. Conversely, you may have a broken condenser, an incorrectly sized system or some other more serious issue.

2. The Airflow Is Insufficient

A blocked or damaged vent can hamper airflow, as can a broken compressor. If you have an expensive airflow-related issue and your unit is old, maybe you should consider getting a new system.

If you have cold spots in your home, your thermostat may be the problem rather than the unit. It’s best to get a professional assessment to discover if replacing the faulty thermostat will solve the cold spot problem.

3. You See Pools of Water or Leaked Refrigerant on the Floor

While some moisture from condensation is normal, there’s a problem if you see that your air conditioning system is leaking refrigerant or leaving pools of water. Moisture can damage floors and furniture and leaking coolant is a health hazard for anyone living in the house. These are not problems you’ll want to put up with for long.

4. You Hear Unusual Noises

If you hear squealing, banging, rattling or some other unusual sound, your air conditioner may have broken motor bearings, a slipping belt or some other concerning problem. You need to turn off your air conditioner immediately if you hear unusual noises because the problem could lead to a costlier repair. If the AC repair turns out to be a costly one, you may want to consider getting a new air conditioner.

5. Your AC Is Getting Old

Air conditioners generally last between 10 and 15 years. If yours repeatedly needs the same system repaired, it is highly inefficient (SEER rating below 13), or if your air conditioner is old enough to require R-22 refrigerant, you likely need a new air conditioner.

After about 10 years of use, you might notice that your AC needs way more repairs than it used to. Eventually, these costs will start to add up as each repair becomes larger and larger. After the first few years, these repairs are not covered by the warranty.

When you start to worry about repair costs, have a professional assess your air conditioner. An expert will be able to tell if you’re better off investing in a new one.

Benefits of Investing in a New Air Conditioner

Newer air conditioners use energy more efficiently than old models do. Look for one with a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 13 or higher. An efficient air conditioner will provide you with significant savings on your utility bills over the years.

The chlorine in air conditioner refrigerants over the decades has negatively affected the earth’s ozone layer. In an effort to save the ozone, refrigerant manufacturers are phasing out R-22 refrigerant and replacing it with R-410A. It won’t be long before you won’t find a contractor who still carries R-22.

Why Maintenance Is Important

Proper maintenance enables air conditioners to last for many years, even as long as 20 years. Maintenance involves analyzing the blower belt and motor operation, examining electrical parts, looking for leaks, evaluating refrigerant levels, calibrating the thermostat, and cleaning the condenser coil, air ducts and filters. It is also important to keep your air conditioner in a cool, dry location during the winter months.

A good air conditioner is essential to keeping cool in the summertime. When you’ve determined that it’s time to get a new air conditioner for your Servicing Delaware, home, contact Red Dog Associates.

Image provided by iStock

Pin It on Pinterest