Air conditioning systems play a crucial role in many households, helping to keep the inside of your home as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, these devices come with life expectancy, and their functionality keeps deteriorating year after year. Eventually, you will have to get a replacement to ensure top performance. The following are tell-tale signs you should upgrade your HVAC system.
1. Rising Energy Bills
One sure sign that your air conditioner is not running efficiently is when your energy bills keep increasing. This is a common issue in aging ac units, and it will only worsen as the unit continues deteriorating. The only way to fix your energy bill issues is to get a newer and more efficient air conditioning unit.
2. Frequent HVAC System Repairs
Another red flag is continuous AC repairs. If your HVAC system keeps breaking down, it means the individual components have degraded beyond repair. As such, the whole unit can’t perform as efficiently as once before. It might be time to invest in a newer system that is less likely to need repairs. Your AC/ HVAC technician should be able to advise you on the best course of action for your situation.
3. Leaking HVAC System
If you have an older AC unit, it will likely start leaking at some point. This can cause water damage inside and outside of your home, leading to high repair costs. If you notice that your air conditioner is leaking, then it’s time to get a new unit or have the old one repaired.
4. Your AC Isn’t Running
If your HVAC system unit is not running at all, then this is a sign that you need to upgrade. An old or malfunctioning AC unit will not be able to keep your home cool, so it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. It’s even worse if you’ve tried taking it to a technician, but nothing seems to work.
5. Noise From AC Unit
Older air conditioning units tend to make more noise than newer models. If you’re constantly hearing a loud noise every time your HVAC system turns on, then this is another sign that it’s time for an upgrade to a new HVAC system.
6. Inconsistent Cooling
If your home isn’t consistently cool, this could result from many factors, such as dirty filters or an energy-inefficient AC unit. However, if your HVAC system unit is older and not operating as well as it once was, this could also be a reason for inconsistent cooling inside your home.
7. Weird Smells From Air Conditioner Unit
If you smell strange or unusual smells coming from your AC unit, then this is another sign that it’s time for a replacement. An aging HVAC system will start to emit unpleasant odors, so it’s essential to address the issue as soon as possible.
8. Unpleasant Draft Near the HVAC System
Another sign that you might need to upgrade your HVAC system is if you notice a cold or drafty feeling near the device. This could indicate that the system is no longer working correctly and needs an upgrade. It might be time to get a new air conditioner that will give you the same comfort level as before.
9. Poor Indoor Air Quality
If you notice that your indoor air quality has decreased, this could be due to several factors like dust, pet dander, or smoke. However, if your air conditioner unit is old and not operating as well as it once was, then this could also be a reason for poor air quality. In order to improve your indoor air quality, you might need a new HVAC system.
10. Your HVAC System Is Too Old
A standard AC is designed with about 12-15 years of life expectancy. If your AC is older than this, it’s time for an upgrade. An aging HVAC system will deteriorate in performance and can even be dangerous to operate. It’s important to replace your old AC with a high-efficiency air conditioner to ensure optimal cooling and safety in your home.
How Can I Maintain My Air Conditioning System?
Now that you know the signs you need to upgrade your AC unit, it’s essential to learn regular maintenance. Here are a few tips on how to keep your AC running smoothly:
Clean or replace your air filters.
Cleaning your air filters is one of the simplest ways to maintain your AC unit. If you have a dirty air filter, this will prevent the device from cooling your home correctly. It’s essential to replace your air filters every month or so to keep your air conditioning system running at its best.
Check for leaks.
If you suspect that your HVAC system is leaking, then it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. Leaks can cause water damage both inside and outside of your home, so it’s important to get them fixed right away.
Keep the area around your AC unit clear.
You want to keep the area around your AC unit clear so that the device can operate efficiently. Make sure to trim any bushes or trees that might be blocking the airflow around your AC unit.
Monitor your energy usage.
If you’re noticing a sudden increase in your energy costs, this could be due to many factors, such as an aging air conditioner unit. To determine if your heating and cooling system is the root cause of the problem, monitoring your energy usage is important. You can do this by checking your energy bills over several months. If you see that your energy usage has increased, this might indicate your ac has low energy efficiency. Be sure to get your ac system inspected immediately by a professional.
Call a professional HVAC technician.
HVAC systems can be complicated. You can call a professional technician to inspect, maintenance, repair, or replace your AC units!
Need a New AC?
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it might be time to upgrade your air conditioning system. At Desert Air Conditioning, our air conditioning contractors in Indio will help get you a new and fully-functional unit. Call us today or visit our website for more information!