The first modern air conditioning unit was invented in 1902 by Willis Carrier. Since then AC units have come a long way and are a household staple. 

Owning an AC unit means you need to know when to repair or replace your AC. There are signs that indicate your AC isn’t functioning optimally that you should take note of. If you catch some of these signs early on you might be able to buy yourself some time before you need a new AC unit.

Keep reading to find out more about the four signs that it’s time to replace your AC.

1. Higher Energy Bill

One of the easiest ways to determine if your AC is malfunctioning is to keep an eye on your energy bill. Your utilities will fluctuate depending on the season, but if you compare your bill to previous years, there shouldn’t be a big discrepancy.

If your AC unit is damaged it won’t work as efficiently. This means it will take more power to cool down a room, which results in a higher energy bill. The efficiency of any electronic system will deteriorate over time due to normal wear and tear.

Your AC unit will also be less effective if there is a large amount of dust built up inside it. If left uncleaned your unit can start to corrode, which means you will need to replace it.

If you notice a sudden spike in your energy bill, it’s usually a sign that there’s something wrong. An AC maintenance service will be able to tell you if your unit needs to be repaired or replaced.

If your unit is severely damaged it might not be worth it to try and repair it. In the long run, you’ll save more money by installing a new HVAC system.

2. Odd Noises and Smells

While some noises and pops are expected, especially the moment the AC is switched on or off, there are some noises an AC unit should never make. If you hear any irregular noises like scraping, banging, or grinding, you could have a serious problem.

These noises usually happen when the key parts of the system malfunction or rub against each other. If you hear any suspicious noises it’s best to turn your unit off and get a professional to come and inspect it.

Your AC unit should also never smell bad. If you notice any smells coming from your AC, that isn’t just a smell circulating in your home, you almost definitely have a problem. 

While bad smells can be caused by almost anything, if you smell burning or smoking you need to immediately turn your unit off. The smell can be caused by a wiring problem and is usually dangerous.

If you notice a musty smell coming from your AC unit you potentially have a buildup of mold or mildew. mold or mildew can be a serious health hazard if left unchecked.

3. Spending More than It’s Worth

When you own an AC you tend to spend money keeping it in a good condition. This includes regular repairs and services. While these endeavors will definitely prolong the lifespan of your AC, at some point it won’t be worth the money you’re putting in.

You can’t determine how long your AC unit will last beforehand. It all depends on the unit itself, how it was installed, and how often you use it. General wear and tear will build up over time, making it a bad investment to repair your unit.

Some parts are just too expensive to replace. If you find yourself spending half the price of a new AC unit on repairs, then you’ll be better off simply buying a new one.

4. Inconsistent Heating and Cooling

The main function of an AC unit is to heat or cool your home. If it isn’t doing its job, you have a problem. You’ll only end up wasting money on energy bills without getting anything out of it.

There are many reasons your ACV might be inconsistently heating and cooling your home. If your unit has run out of refrigerant it won’t be able to cool the air properly. While this is usually an easy problem to fix, there might be an underlying issue.

If you’re experiencing humidity issues even while the AC is running then you probably have an issue with your evaporator coils. If the coils are frozen, it can also indicate your AC system is low on refrigerant. 

If your unit is constantly running out of refrigerant then you have a leak somewhere. You’ll need a trained professional to come and assess your unit to determine if it can be fixed, or if you need a new unit.

If you’re consistently having problems with the heating and cooling of your home and nothing you do changes it, you should consider simply replacing your unit. If there is no obvious issue and you’ve tried to fix it without success, then the best course of action will be to replace the unit.

Know When to Replace Your AC

Knowing when it’s time to replace your AC is an important aspect of owning and using an AC. Using a damaged AC unit can be extremely dangerous and can cause serious damage. If you start noticing the signs that your AC needs a replacement you should contact a professional as soon as possible.

For the best heating and cooling services in Sanibel Island, contact Florida Cooling Solutions today. All of our work comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.