Most homeowners don’t pay enough attention to air conditioners, unless there is a serious issue with functionalities or a breakdown. In most homes, air conditioners are used around the clock and are responsible for maintaining indoor air temperature and quality. If you are wondering how to tell if AC is working or are considering replacement, the first step is to find an HVAC contractor. In this post, we are discussing a few common problems of air conditioners and when you should replace the existing units.
Signs that an air conditioner has problems
- AC doesn’t turn on
- You are hearing strange sounds
- There is unusual odor in the room when the air conditioner is on
- You are not getting the expected cooling
- The energy bills are unusually high
- The unit doesn’t respond to settings
- The remote control is not working
- You have been noticing problems in air ducts
These are just a few tell-a-tale signs that your air conditioner has problems. It doesn’t necessarily mean that replacement is necessary. If you are not sure of the actual cause, don’t delay in seeking the help of your repair service. They can guide you better on whether the unit should be repaired.
Should you replace your air conditioner?
It depends on many factors. If your home air conditioners have been serviced every year, and when you have been careful about maintenance, you can expect repairs to suffice for at least 10 to 15 years. However, if the AC requires frequent repairs, has multiple breakdowns in a year, or doesn’t function as expected despite yearly maintenance, it is probably a sign that replacement is necessary. You should start saving for new units any way after a decade of use.
When to call an HVAC contractor?
Right after you find the first signs of AC problems, call your HVAC service for an inspection. Their experts will do a complete check and recommend what’s ideal for your home. If replacing a few parts, or changing the air filters, would do the job, they may ask you to wait before replacement. In general, it is best to get your air conditioners checked every year, at least once. Many air conditioning companies have maintenance contracts, which are worth paying for.
If your air conditioners are not maintained well, it could be a serious compromise on indoor air quality. Call a reliable service as soon as you notice cooling problems.
