Is it Time to Shop for a New Air Conditioner?

The temperatures are beginning to rise. With a warmer climate come discomfort and all sorts of health risks. This is the best time for you to determine whether to keep your old air conditioner or get a new one. In the summer, your cooling system is going to be the most important appliance in your home — in terms of home comfort, at least.

As much as you’d hate it, but air conditioners are not meant to live forever. If your existing unit is around 10-15 years, it may no longer be as efficient as it once was. You wouldn’t want to pay too much for utilities because of an inefficient HVAC system! That said, you have to be mindful of a few things before buying a new air conditioner. A well-informed purchase will ensure that you are getting the most out of your investment.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your preferred HVAC company in Dellwood MN that offers a wide variety of air conditioners made by the best in the industry.

Below are obvious signs of a failing air conditioner.

Repeated Repairs

Old cooling systems tend to work harder to make your home comfortably cool. This often leads to the system overheating and some parts failing. Air conditioners typically suffer most breakdowns during the last two years of their lives. Another sign is when you need to wait to get a replacement part. That’s because finding replacement parts for older an air conditioner gets more and more difficult.

Skyrocketing Energy Bills

Although fuel and power costs are out of your control, they are not the only reason why you have high utility costs. As your air conditioner ages, it loses its efficiency, especially due to aging parts. This decline in efficiency makes your system run longer to provide the same level of comfort. The added workload results in higher energy costs. If you notice a pattern of a constant increase in your utility bills without a reciprocal increase in use, consider buying a new AC unit. The amount of money you save in the long run can help you pay for a new, more efficient air conditioner.

Uncontrollable Moisture

If you notice moisture or leakage around or near your system, this could indicate serious problems with your air conditioner. When you see leaks, it’s possible that the system is leaking refrigerant, which can pose danger to your health.

In addition, if water pools next to your AC unit, this might show that the drain tube that disposes of condensation is either blocked or damaged. This may not be a very serious problem, but it is going to be a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

A Noisy Unit

If your air conditioner has become significantly noisier than it used to be, this could mean that you need to replace the unit sooner than later. Strange sounds like grinding, squeaking, popping and chattering are signs of a failing air conditioner. These noises tell you that something is wrong inside the system and failure to attend to it could result in costly breakdown and unnecessary discomfort. A good cooling system is supposed to operate at a noise level that is nearly unheard. So if your system is too loud, you may need to start looking for a replacement.

Hot and Cold Spots

This is one of the most obvious signs that your AC is not working as it should. If you turn on the unit and the air doesn’t feel cool within a few minutes, it is possible that something’s not right. There could be problems with your ductwork, airflow, or simply a failing air conditioner in general. No matter the cause, inconsistent cooling is a clear indication that your cooling system has a problem that requires immediate professional attention.

If you have to adjust the thermostat again and again because you feel that some rooms are cooler than others, you may need to look into getting your air conditioner replaced. It’s likely that your old system is no longer able to consistently distribute cooled air throughout the home.

Get Professional HVAC Advice

To determine whether your existing air conditioner is due for a replacement, call Four Seasons Air Specialists, your friendly White Bear Lake heating and air conditioning company.