An old air conditioning unit is like an outdated hairdo. Just because you can still get some good use out of it doesn’t mean you should.
There are many signs to tell when it’s finally time to throw in the towel and replace your old AC unit with a new one, and the team at Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing is prepared to help you through the whole process.
How Long Does a Healthy AC Unit Last?
There are many factors that determine how long an AC unit might last. For example, someone that resides in a cooler climate will have an air conditioner that lasts significantly longer than an AC in the south.
The general rule of thumb that most professionals recommend is to replace your AC system once every 10-15 years.
Why Replace My Unit Instead of Repairing It?
Just like the classic 80s perm, air conditioning parts frequently go out of style as new and more efficient pieces grow to be more popular. A lot can change since the first time you installed your new AC system 15 years earlier, so it’s important to know when to get a new system that won’t rely on obsolete parts.
It seems like a big expense, but it will save you money in the long run. While it sometimes makes financial sense to keep repairing the little problems within your HVAC system, knowing when to replace it with a brand-new, updated unit would be the better move to avoid frequent, minor fixes that often add up.
Signs It’s Time for a Replacement
While some air conditioning units do end up fulfilling their life expectancy, others aren’t so lucky and can suffer from problems that cause for a replacement due to issues that are worse than old age.
High Energy Bills
If you notice your monthly energy bill seems to be rising with no explanation, your hard-working AC may be working harder than it needs to be. Constant malfunction may cause your HVAC unit to require more energy to do the same job, which is a costly way of finding out it may be time for an AC replacement.
Unusual Sounds or Smells
Other than the nice, comfortable feeling of cool air, your air conditioning system shouldn’t be stimulating any of your other senses. If you hear or smell unusual sounds or odors, it could be an indicator that your HVAC unit could use an upgrade.
Clattering or grinding sounds are never pleasant nor are they a sign of a healthy AC unit, and any unusual smells such as smoke or burning could require emergency attention by a professional.
Excessive Buildup of Moisture
Even though Houston is the ‘humidity city’, an air conditioner that properly blocks moisture buildup is essential for a resident’s home. If an HVAC unit is experiencing refrigerant leaks due to excessive moisture, it could pose a serious health risk to your family or roommates in the home. An updated system should have no problem keeping the moisture at bay.
Your Current Unit is Underperforming
Oftentimes it doesn’t take a professional to know when you should start considering a new AC unit. There are many signs to look out for, but the biggest sure sign that your air conditioner isn’t working correctly is if it fails to do its number one job: keeping you cool and comfortable.
If you are experiencing one or more of these issues, contact the team at Air Tech for all Houston AC repairs, replacements and consultations.
