AC units are one of the most well-used and appreciated appliances in any home, especially once the unbearable summer heat hits. Unfortunately, your trusty AC won’t last forever, and if you want to continue benefiting from it, then you need to keep up with regular maintenance and repairs. At some point, though, your unit might actually be better off being replaced rather than repaired yet again.
AC units are expensive, so it’s no surprise that most people aren’t eager to replace their whole system. While you can get by on repairs for a long time, there will come a day when your AC unit does need to be replaced. Here are a few signs that will indicate as much:
Age
AC units last a long time in general. In any case, once your AC reaches a certain age and constantly requires repairs, then you are likely better off just replacing it.
If your AC is over 15 years old and requires frequent repairs, it might be time to look into a replacement. You might prefer to save money and not purchase a new unit, but this will likely be the more cost-efficient choice, as an old and faulty AC will just use more energy without performing optimally anyway.
Inconsistent Temperature
There can be several possible issues if your AC unit is producing air at the wrong temperature or an inconsistent temperature despite the settings. If you know that your AC is struggling or your home isn’t as cool as it should be, it’s important to contact a professional.
Inconsistent temperature can be caused by multiple issues, so it’s not necessarily a sign that your unit will need to be replaced. However, depending on how many issues you’ve had with it in the past, how old your unit is, and how expensive or complicated the repair will be, replacing the unit might be the better choice. Our AC technicians will be able to advise you based on an evaluation of your unit.
Strange Noises or Smells
With any appliance, strange noises and smells are typically very bad signs. The same is true with AC units. If you notice anything off about your AC unit, whether it’s an odd noise or a smell, be sure to contact a professional as soon as possible.Strange noises and smells can be caused by damage inside the unit or the growth of mold and mildew. No matter what the issue is, it can be dangerous to both your health and your home to keep running your AC unit.
Again, this isn’t always a sign that your AC unit will need to be replaced, but the causes behind a strange noise or smell may be extremely expensive to repair. In some situations, it may be better to simply replace the unit.
Less Energy Efficient
Old, worn-out AC units will become less energy efficient as time goes on. While it may not be too noticeable at first, your energy bills will increase, and your AC’s efficiency will decrease.
Reduced energy efficiency could just mean your AC needs some tuning, but it can also be a sign that it’s time to replace your unit.
Repair Cost x Age
Maybe all you wanted was to schedule a repair, but the repair costs more than you expected it to. To determine if the repair is worth it or if you should just replace the unit, multiply the cost by the age of your AC. If you get a result of over $5,000, then it’s better to just replace the unit.
Conclusion
Replacing your AC unit is expensive, but in some situations, it can be the more cost-effective solution. If you have concerns about your unit or questions about its replacement, be sure to contact our air conditioning company Orlando, so we can give you some advice on the best course of action.