With the weather heating up, you most likely have turned your air conditioner on. And while the temps have not been scorching yet, you know blistering heat is on the way. And you certainly don’t want your AC unit to go out during one of those periods.
So here are some warning signs that it might be time to replace your air conditioning unit.
- Old age. Even if your system seems to be running fine, if it is 15 years old or older it is living on borrowed time. It may be smart to invest in a new air conditioner sooner rather than later, as you don’t want it to break down during a heat wave.
- The system is blowing warm air. The obvious main role of your AC unit is to blow cool air into your home to keep you and your family comfortable. If the air is not cool, that’s not cool, and it may be time to replace the unit.
- Not enough air is coming out of the vents. Even if the air is cool, the system needs to blow enough air into your home to keep it comfortable. If that is not happening, it is another sign you may need to replace the unit.
- Too much humidity. Your AC system should also reduce the humidity in your home. If your system is not removing the humidity, that is a problem.
- Leaks. If you notice a leak around your unit, it can be water or refrigerant. Either is a problem, but if it is refrigerant, that could pose a health hazard because refrigerants are poisonous. Check that out without delay.
- R-22 refrigerant. Many old air conditioners use R-22 refrigerant, also known as Freon. Beginning in 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned R22 from future air conditioning units. Given the limited supply, repairing a system that uses R22 will be very costly.
- Smells. Also potentially dangerous is a musty odor emanating from your air conditioner, it may be a sign there is mold, and it needs to be checked immediately as that is a health issue since the unhealthy air is sent into your living area.
- Noise. If you hear grinding, squealing, or scraping coming from inside your unit, it may be a simple fix, but it may also be a sign it needs to be replaced.
- More expensive and frequent repairs. If you are calling your AC contractor more frequently, and the cost of the repairs is increasing, it may be time to replace your air conditioner. One good rule of thumb – multiply the cost of the repair by the age of your furnace. If it is more than $5,000, consider a new unit.
- Rising electricity bills. The U.S. Energy Information Agency estimates that 16% of a household’s electricity use goes to cooling. That’s a lot. If you notice your energy bills going up, it could be a sign that your HVAC system is not running as efficiently as it had in the past, and it may be time for a new unit.
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric Can Help You with AC Repair and Replacement
Ravinia Plumbing’s trained heating and cooling system technicians can help you determine whether to repair or replace your existing unit. We’ve been in business since 1928 (that’s 95 years!), and we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the most trusted and reliable HVAC, plumbing, drain and sewer and electrical companies in Chicagoland. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
