Do I Need to Replace My Air Conditioner?

Your air conditioning system won’t last forever. At some point, you will need to replace the system for the sake of efficiency, renovations, or even due to outright failure of the unit. It’s important to realize when your air conditioner is near the end of its useful life before it completely breaks down and you’re left sweating in the heat.

Let’s take a look at some telltale signs your air conditioning system needs replacing:

Signs You Need A New Air Conditioner

There are some rather clear signs that your air conditioning is not functioning the way it should. In some cases, only a minor fix is needed. Other times, the unit as a whole needs to be replaced. Here are the signs to look for when deciding if you need a new air conditioner.

1. It’s Producing Strange Sounds

A fully functional air conditioning system should operate in almost complete silence. If you’re familiar with your unit, you’ll recognize the little sounds it makes as it cycles. These sounds will be a regular part of your air conditioning’s life.

It’s when you hear other noises different from these normal sounds that you need to inspect the unit. Small noise changes could simply be the sign of something that needs repair. For example, there could be a loose part inside the unit, the fan may not be working properly, or an internal component could be clogged with dirt.

However, if the noise is more out of the ordinary such as grinding, rattling, screeching, ticking, or buzzing, this can indicate a serious problem that means you need to replace the unit.

2. Leaking And Excess Moisture

For some air conditioners, a small amount of condensation or water dripping on the unit is normal. However, your air conditioning unit should stay dry when it’s being used and when it’s idle. If you notice a leak, a sudden increase in condensation, or moisture inside the house, it may be time to look for a replacement.

Electrical components and water do not go well together. As such, you should have the unit inspected by a professional air conditioning technician straight away. Units can spring refrigerant leaks, which should only ever be handled by a professional due to their potential health and safety risks. Your air conditioning repair technician will locate the source of the leak and determine if a new unit is the best choice or if a simple repair will do the trick.

3. Reduced Airflow

Check your air conditioner to see if there is little or no cool air coming out of the vents. A noticeable decrease in airflow could be a sign that your air conditioner’s compressor is near the end of its life.

If your thermostat is set to a moderate temperature and your home is still too warm, then your air conditioning unit is not working at its intended level. Check the filters first to see if they need to be replaced. If they aren’t to blame, however, your unit may have reached the end of it’s efficient life, and it may well be time to replace it.

4. Fluctuating Temperatures

A common problem with an older air conditioning unit is that it simply won’t cool or heat. It may still produce good air levels, but the air isn’t coming at the temperature it should based on the settings. You may occasionally experience warm air on a cool setting (a cause for concern), but if your unit stops producing any cool air altogether, it’s time to call in a professional to have a look. The same applies to a lack of heating. In some cases, the problem may be low refrigerant levels. However, the presence of warm air when the system is set for cooling can indicate a big problem such as a damaged compressor.

You’ll also want to look out for inconsistent temperatures. Your air conditioner is designed to provide consistent air temperatures at the settings you select. When certain areas become cold zones, and others don’t get any cool air at all, your air conditioning unit may need to be replaced. If your system is producing inconsistent or warm air, inspect the filters, condensation drains, valves, and coils for airflow obstructions.

5. Your Energy Bills Are Increasing

Even when your air conditioning seems to be functioning fine, one of the clearest signs there could be a serious problem is your energy bill. If your bill has suddenly increased for no apparent reason, there could be a problem with your unit.

Conduct an energy audit and consider if there are other factors that could be responsible for the increase. If it appears that your air conditioning is the reason behind a spike in energy costs you will want to determine why it is losing efficiency.

In some cases, it could be overworking. Reduced cooling capacity will raise energy costs as your unit struggles to maintain your desired temperature. You can try replacing the filters, cleaning the air vents, and checking for knots in the condensing coil. For those with older homes with older AC units, it could also be the case that your unit is near the end of its service life and simply lacks the efficiency to cool your home properly as a result. 

6. Strange Smells

Like odd noises, unusual smells can be a sign your air conditioning or ducts need replacing. Unpleasant smells can mean that the unit’s insulation is damaged or that the ductwork is moldy. Mold, mildew, and dirt inside your unit can circulate contaminated air throughout your home and cause serious health issues for you and your family.

Strange smells could simply be the result of a filter that needs replacing. Check the filters first but if the smell persists it may be time to replace the unit or your ducting.

7. It Need Frequent Repairs

Your air conditioning unit should be serviced once a year to ensure it’s in good condition. You may need an extra repair here or there but if your unit is in constant need of mending you will likely be better off replacing it with a  new one. This is especially true if the unit needs a major repair after its warranty expires. Opting for a new air conditioner is often more cost-efficient than expensive repairs on an older unit.

8. The Unit Is Old

In Cairns air conditioning is a must, especially in the hotter months. The average air conditioning unit lasts between 7 and 10 years, depending on its usage and environmental conditions, and the average warranty from major manufacturers is only 5 years. There have been a lot of advancements in technology in the past decade, so if you’re using an older model you’re missing out on some useful features and incredible energy efficiency improvements. Newer models are built to be much more energy-efficient and come in more compact styles as well. If you have an older unit, consider making an upgrade to take advantage of these benefits. It may end up saving you far more than the cost of the unit. 

Don’t Wait To Take Care Of Your Air Conditioning Unit

If any of these issues apply to your unit, it’s time to have it inspected by a professional. Siv Air offers a range of air conditioning services to help ensure your aircon is up and running when you need it most. 

Our qualified technicians have the expertise needed to diagnose and repair faulty systems to get them back to peak performance. We also offer hydro clean services to improve the overall efficiency of your system and flush out pollutants, dirt and other contaminants that can lurk in your air conditioning unit. 

We know how important it is to keep your home cool and keep your energy bills low. Whether it’s for a small bedroom, large living area or commercial space, Siv Air can not only install but supply you with affordable air conditioning systems from brands you can trust. If it’s time to upgrade that old AC unit, we’ve got you covered.

Contact us to learn more about how our air conditioning and refrigeration services can help you stay cool all year long.