So, how do you know if your air conditioner needs to be repaired? Or perhaps a replacement. When to replace your air conditioning unit is one of the most important decisions you will make as a homeowner. You may have noticed that your air conditioner has been through several repairs over the years, and, amazingly, it is still running. The problem is that you might already need to replace it.

Limited Airflow and Home Not Cooling Down

This is probably the most obvious sign that your air conditioner is malfunctioning. If you turn on the unit and the air does not come out cold within a few minutes, it is most likely not working correctly. Clogs could also cause problems in your piping or ductwork that restrict airflow and do not resolve themselves.

It could also mean that your AC system is not adequately sized for your home, which means that your AC system’s capacity does not meet your home’s heating and cooling requirements. As a result, you must purchase a properly sized unit based on the size of your home.

Your AC Unit Requires Constant Repairs

If you need to make an expensive repair, compare the cost of that repair to the price of a new A/C unit. If repairing your existing air conditioning system covers a significant portion of the cost of a new AC, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a new unit. This will also save you money because newer units are 20%–30% more energy efficient.

Is Your AC Unit More Than Ten Years Old?

Although air conditioning systems can last 15 to 20 years if properly maintained, this is only true if the system is maintained correctly. The average air conditioning system shows signs of significant wear and tear around the 10-year mark in most cases. Investing in a new air conditioning system may appear to be a financial burden. If your system is constantly in need of service and has reached the decade-old mark, it’s time to upgrade. Buying a new air conditioning system will be a better long-term investment for your home’s comfort and your wallet.

Does It Smell Like An Odor Coming From Your AC?

When turned on, your air conditioner should never emit any unpleasant odors. If your air conditioner smells moldy, musty, or like it’s burning at any time, contact your local HVAC technician to discuss the next steps. Dirty air filters or mold growing in the drip pan or evaporator coils could be the source of the problem. This is why AC maintenance checks should be scheduled twice a year. A technician can identify potential issues before they become costly fixes. This also ensures that your air conditioner lasts as long as possible. Discuss any unusual odors with an HVAC technician and have them inspect your unit to determine whether you need new AC parts or a new system.

Does Your AC Still Require R-22 Refrigerant?

Air conditioners require a special gas designed to cool the air inside your home. This gas is known as R-22. It is a refrigerant used in air conditioners manufactured before January 1, 2010. R-22 contains ozone-depleting agents and is so harmful to the environment that the EPA amended the Clean Air Act to require that newer air conditioners use a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient refrigerant.

If you are ready for a new AC unit, contact MasterCraft Mechanical for an AC installation in Denton, TX. We can show you how to begin saving immediately and avoid potentially higher service and repair costs in the future.

David Jones