Is It Time for an Air Conditioning Replacement?
Air conditioners are the undisputed star of the home during the warmer season, and during this long stretch of hot days and nights, nothing is as important as keeping the AC blasting cool air around the clock. But what happens if it comes dangerously close to conking out? When is it appropriate to keep fixing the problems as they come, and when is it time to throw in the towel and consider a new air conditioner installation?
It’s Never Cool Enough Inside the House
If there’s a sign more telling than others that an air conditioner is either in need of repair or on the brink of needing a replacement, then it has to be its inability to cool a house sufficiently. Air conditioners, after all, are designed to do precisely that. If they can no longer function to lower temperatures to desired levels, then it certainly is time to consider going for either an AC repair or a new AC installation.
It’s not difficult to tell when air conditioner repair is needed either. One clue is observing the weakness of airflow coming out of the vents and registers. Another is its actual temperature. An AC struggling to cool the room will likely blow warm air out of the vents. Air conditioners in need of repair will likely also be running for longer periods without making a dent in the temperature displayed by the thermostat, indicating that a problem must be preventing it from bringing down the temperature to the desired setting.
Energy Bills Have Begun To Creep Up
A simple glance at your current energy bill should show whether there’s something wrong with the air conditioner. If the total bill is larger than your average monthly consumption, then this is likely an indicator that air conditioning repair is necessary to fix whatever issue is causing the AC to consume that much energy.
It could be something as simple as dirty air filters or more complex, such as a leak or defect in any of the AC’s major components. Whatever the reason, it could cause the air conditioner to compensate for the problem, run longer than it normally does, and ultimately cause the energy bill to shoot up.
Something Doesn’t Smell Or Sound Right
Another observable sign of AC trouble is unusual sounds or smells from the HVAC’s vents. Most homeowners are attuned to what their HVACs sound like when running normally, so any noises that are out of the ordinary, such as loud banging, clanging, rattling, or whooshing, should be a cause for concern. They could indicate problems that range from loose parts or screws to clogs in the ductwork that could be preventing the proper flow of air.
Strange smells can also be a harbinger of trouble. Musty odors, for example, could be a strong indicator of mold or mildew growth that a homeowner would want to resolve, as mold can cause respiratory issues. On the other hand, a burnt smell is a big red flag and is likely caused by electrical problems. In this case, homeowners must contact their technicians immediately to rule out the possibility of starting an electrical or house fire. Either way, the problem could be severe enough to warrant retiring the old AC and moving for a new air conditioning installation.
About Chad’s AC Direct
Chad’s AC Direct is a full-service heating and AC company serving the Montgomery, AL community. Customers can expect personalized and efficient service - from live answering to convenient scheduling and expert installation. Their team of expert technicians provides excellent service at a great value, with no surprise expenses and honest, upfront billing. Call them today for reliable HVAC services in Montgomery, AL.
