When it comes to your home heating and cooling system, it’s important to change your old unit once it begins to show signs of failure. Not only will it help you save money on your utility bills, but it also improves your home’s indoor air quality. If you’re living in an older home and you’ve lived there for many years, it’s likely that your central air conditioning unit is on its last legs, and it may be time for AC replacement.
If you haven’t upgraded to a new AC unit already, chances are that your older air conditioning unit is due for an upgrade. The newer systems are more efficient, more efficient to run, and can even be controlled by a smartphone.
When you are concerned about the age and condition of your AC system, it’s time to start planning for a more efficient replacement. An AC replacement is a major project, but the benefits are worth it — and the first step is knowing the signs of when your AC is failing.
How Do You Know That You Need AC Replacement?
You know that your AC system is old, but does this really mean that it’s time for AC replacement? You’ll notice several signs of when it’s time to replace your AC, such as the following:
If any of the following are true, you need to replace your AC:
Your AC is More than 10 Years Old
First, consider the age of your AC unit. Central air conditioning systems can last a long time if they are maintained. If you invest in annual AC repair and inspections, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that the AC can last up to 17 years.
If you suspect your system may be coming to the end of its lifespan, take a few minutes to monitor the machine. Does it make any noise? Does your home feel humid? Does your home feel dusty and dirty? These warning signs could signify an upcoming system failure and should be checked out by a professional.
Your AC is Always Running
An AC that runs around the clock is incredibly inefficient. If you listen inside the house while it’s running and hear a fan or motor running in the attic, odds are the AC is improperly installed and operating with the thermostat turned off. In this case, the AC is running all the time because the thermostat has been hung on the wall, but it’s not heating/cooling anything.
The other likelihood is that the AC is old and reaching the end of its life.
Your AC Makes Strange Noises When it’s Turned on
Do you hear clanking noises while your AC is running? Is it making grinding, clicking or growling sounds? If so, it could be a sign that something is wrong with one or more of your AC’s components. A trained technician can pinpoint the source of the problem and make the necessary repairs.
Your AC unit could have loose parts causing the rattling sound, or it could be a sign of a more serious problem. Common causes of rattling sounds include:
- Dust and dirt buildup
- A dirty condenser coil prevents the unit from cooling properly and can cause the unit to rattle.
Your AC Feels Hot to the Touch
The purpose of the AC is to keep your home cool, so what does it mean when it’s hot to the touch?
There are a few different reasons why the AC could be hot to the touch. The first is an easy fix. If the thermostat is set to a higher temperature than necessary, the AC will work harder than it has to, which can result in the air blowing hot. Make sure the thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature and you’ll be surprised at how much it can cool the air down. It’s also possible that the AC is malfunctioning and overworking.
If your AC is old and hot to the touch, this is a definite sign that AC replacement is in order.
Your AC doesn’t turn on
AC won’t turn on? This is problematic and can result from a variety of issues, ranging from a bad thermostat to a broken AC.
The most common reason an AC won’t turn on is that the thermostat inside is set to a temperature that is too low. Adjust the thermostat to an appropriate temperature and try to turn your AC back on. If that doesn’t work, then you may have a problem with the thermostat or AC unit itself.
You now know the signs that your old AC is failing. If you’re ready to consider AC replacement, the next step is to consider what you need to look for in an air conditioner.
What to Look for in a New Air Conditioner
If AC replacement is in your future, it’s important to think about what you need in an AC system. Not all air conditioning units are created equal!
Here are a few things to consider when shopping for your next AC system.
What Size AC Unit Do I Need?
The size of your air conditioner will depend on the size of your space. If your current AC unit is small for your home or getting older, you may want to consider a larger system.
Many homebuyers focus solely on the size of the air conditioner when they are shopping for a new AC unit. While it is helpful to know the size of your system, it’s even more helpful to understand exactly what type of unit you are getting. In this blog, we explain what to look for in a new air conditioning system.
How Much Should I Pay for a New Air Conditioner?
According to Fixr, the average cost of a brand-new central air conditioner is now between $5,000 and $7,000, depending on the system size.
These prices assume that the price of your installation is not included in the final price.
If you’re about to purchase a new air conditioner for your home, you may have a lot of questions about costs. There are a few factors that could affect the price of your new unit.
The size, efficiency level, and features can all affect the price you’re going to pay for a new air conditioner. The type you choose may also affect the price.
Price isn’t the only thing that matters when buying a new air conditioner, but it’s most definitely a big factor. There are lots of great air conditioners available on the market today, but there are also some that are not so great. If the only reason you’re looking to buy a new air conditioner is to save money, you’re going to have to do a lot of shopping around.
What Tonnage do I Need?
Do you know what tonnage you need for your AC unit? This is an important factor when it comes to AC replacement. But why does tonnage matter?
The tonnage of your unit directly affects how quickly your unit cools your house. The more tonnage you have, the more quickly your AC unit will cool your house. How can you figure out what tonnage you need? You have to look at the type of unit you have, the size of the area you want to cool, and the AC replacement cost of the unit.
If you replace your unit with one that has a lower tonnage, this will mean that the performance of your AC will drop. Because different manufacturers have different standards, the tonnage figure of your AC unit is important and it should be provided to you by the manufacturer. If not, then you will have to do some research to find out the tonnage that your AC unit requires.
Get an AC with Energy Star Certification
Want to save on your air conditioner power usage? Look for the ENERGY STAR logo. This indicates that the AC unit meets high-efficiency standards.
The ENERGY STAR program sets strict guidelines for how much energy an AC unit can consume when it is on and when it is shut off. ACs that meet these standards use less energy, saving you money and helping to increase awareness of environmental issues.
Consider Smart Air Conditioning Units
Take advantage of technology to help save money on your energy bills with AC replacement. Smart air conditioning units can be controlled remotely by your smartphone, tablets or computers. Many air conditioning units now offer energy-efficient modes to reduce your energy bills even more.
Get Expert AC Replacement
Do you need to upgrade your old AC unit? Allow R.E. Long Services to swap out your old AC with an energy-efficient, streamlined unit. Contact us today to learn more.