5 Signs That Indicate the End of an Air Conditioners Life Span

Coming home to a warm and toasty house only sounds great during a cold winter. When you get home after a long day during the middle of summer, and it is 90 degrees outside, the last thing you want to deal with is a hot and humid house.

Your A/C Unit is an integral part of your home. If something goes wrong, it can lead to unwanted discomfort for everyone in your household.

Here are 5 signs you might need to upgrade your air conditioner:

1. Your AC has hit the 10-year mark

Did you know that all air conditioners have an AC life expectancy? On average, you can expect a regular AC to have a life span of 10 years, and a higher-end model is around 12-15 years.

If your AC is not working like it once did, it is time to check the unit age. If your A/C Unit is over 10 years old, it may be a sign you should retire it for good.

2.   The indoor humidity is out of control

Did you know your air conditioner also helps with indoor humidity? The warm air moves over the coils in your A/C Unit and leaves a portion of the water behind.

This water drips off the coils and exits the system through the condensate drain. If this process is disrupted or malfunctioning, it may feel like the current outdoor temperature, or worse, a big sauna.

Every climate provides different challenges, and sometimes the problem isn’t a maintenance issue with your AC.

If you just bought your A/C Unit, your system may be too small for your home, you are not running it as often as you should, or you need a whole-house dehumidifier. These help balance the temperature in your home and keep the moisture down.

3. High energy bills

If your electricity bill seems to be climbing every month or year, it could be a problem with your AC unit or other electric appliances. Yes, things get more expensive every year. Unfortunately, HVAC systems are the largest expense on your energy bill.

The good news is that trading in your old AC unit for a newer model can help you save on your monthly electricity bill. Modern A/C Units are more energy efficient than older models and can help you cut down on monthly costs. If your air conditioner is 10 years or older, you may save up to 20%-40% on your monthly energy costs by making the switch.

4. The breakdowns are becoming more frequent

You can only have your go-to HVAC professional come to your house for AC repairs so many times before it becomes a problem. If your AC keeps breaking or is not working the way you want it to, it probably means it is wearing out, and it is time to get a new one. The longer you wait, the more the repair costs continue to increase.

Common air conditioner problems include:

• Refrigerant leaks
• Dirty filters and air conditioning coils
• Worn out compressor and fan controls
• Problems with the thermostat sensor
• Not draining properly

Keep in mind that frequent visits from an HVAC pro can be the result of a faulty installation or inadequate AC maintenance over time. Improper installations can lead to poor airflow, leaky ducts, and energy inefficiency.

If something doesn’t feel right, get a second opinion. To increase the longevity of your air conditioner’s life, make sure you find someone you trust to get the job done right!

5.   It’s blowing out warm air during the summer months

One of the most obvious signs you need an AC is if you feel like your AC isn’t doing its job. If an AC is broken or not performing as well as it once was. Test it like this:

• Walk over to your air conditioning unit and see if it’s pumping out warm air.
• Check your thermostat to ensure it was not flipped on accident.
  • If it is not, it is possible that your cooling system is failing or needs to be replaced because of a faulty condenser or other related problems.

Our advice? Don’t wait until it’s too late. The summer weather can be harsh, especially if you don’t have a trusted A/C Unit by your side. The best part is that upgrading your air conditioner doesn’t need to break the bank. When you find the perfect modern model, it can also help you save on your energy bill and repair bills.

  

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Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service heating and air conditioning company and a Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer in Central Florida. Whether you need repair, maintenance, or installation of a new heating or cooling system, we provide efficient, cost-effective, and professional service. When it’s hot, call Scott!

Tags: A/C efficiency, AC maintenance, energy efficiency, indoor air quality

Categorised in: Thing You Should Know