5 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your AC

Just like everything in your home, your AC will need to be replaced eventually. But how do you know when it’s time?

To save homeowners the money and stress of an early replacement, Brown Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has put together some signs to look out for in your air conditioner. By replacing your aging HVAC unit promptly, you can avoid an obnoxious breakdown in the Alabama summer!

1. Rising Energy Bills

If you’re noticing your energy bills have been much too high, your AC is losing its efficiency. This is one of the biggest signs that your unit is experiencing major wear and tear. When your air conditioning system is working for so long, it has to lose some performance quality, eventually.

Want to prove that your AC unit is the reason for your high energy bill? A home energy audit can do just that! An energy audit will pinpoint the exact cause of your energy inefficiency, whether it’s air leaks, lack of insulation, or that old AC.

2. Your AC Needs Constant Repairs

It’s always good to have a reliable HVAC technician, but you don’t want to see them too often. Frequent calls to your AC company are not a good sign. While your air conditioner requires consistent maintenance, it should not require consistent repairs.

Each repair adds up, and that total could end up being much more than a new AC system! Sometimes broken things can’t be fixed. As a general rule, spending half the cost of a new system on repairs means it’s time for a replacement.

3. Your AC Doesn’t Cool Your House Well

The point of central air is to keep the entire house at an even temperature. So if you find yourself freezing in one room and sweating in another, it may mean that your system is inefficient. Though, this is not always the case. Sometimes, ductwork holes or improperly sized AC units can cause hot and cold spots in the home.

Similar to improper temperatures, a humid house can also point to AC issues. Air conditioners work by removing the moisture from hot, humid air, cooling that air and sending it back through the home. If your system has unobstructed air flow, then it simply isn’t working properly. Here, it may be time for a new AC system.

4. Your AC Uses R22 Refrigerant Or Freon

Most AC systems use refrigerant, a gas, to cool the air within a house. Air conditioners manufactured before 2010 require Freon or R22 refrigerant. Freon contains chemicals that harm the Earth’s ozone layer, so the refrigerant is no longer produced or imported in the U.S. Now, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that new HVAC units have eco-friendly refrigerants.

Because R22-requiring systems stopped being produced in 2010, your unit may need replacement. Checking the information plate of your cooling system will tell you if it uses R22, and if it does, it’s probably time for a new unit.

5. Sounds Or Smells Are Coming From The AC

Your AC should never emit unpleasant odors. Burning, musty, and moldy smells can all occur, but a technician should look at them. Grinding, banging and squealing noises can also happen. These noises may be caused by a blockage in the unit or a faulty compressor.

While we can usually prevent these issues through routine maintenance, this may not be true if your unit is too old. If your AC is over 15 years old, repairs may be out of the question for the aging unit.

Average Air Conditioner Life Expectancy

The lifespan of your AC depends upon a few things: maintenance, model, and brand. If you take pristine care of your quality air conditioner, there’s a better chance of it lasting closer to 20 years. However, if your maintenance upkeep is lacking, the unit may die out in 10 years.

How To Improve AC Lifespan

On average, an air conditioner lasts between 15 and 20 years. There are also a few things homeowners can do to help extend their unit’s lifespan. You can:

• Get professional maintenance performed annually or bi-annually
• Clean the AC’s air filters frequently
• Clean your system regularly, especially the outdoor unit
• Fix any airflow problems like air leaks, poor duct design and blockages
• Use an energy-saving thermostat

In the meantime, make sure to watch out for replacement signs! If you notice high energy bills, hot and cold spots, sounds or odors, call an AC technician today.

Professional AC Installation In Hueytown, Alabama

Now that you know the signs of an aging AC unit, are you looking for a reliable HVAC company? Brown Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has the skills and services you need to assess the efficiency of your AC. With an energy test, tune-up or repair, we can guide you through what your air conditioner needs!

You can trust that our technicians will treat you with the care and respect you deserve, all while providing the best AC services. We know how important trust is, so we value our customers’ satisfaction above all else!

Is It Time For An AC Replacement?

Brown Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has been dedicated to serving Hueytown homeowners for over 60 years. With a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, it’s no wonder we’re one of the top AC companies in the Hueytown area!

Our certified AC technicians are proud to provide hassle-free AC installation and replacement for homeowners. They can also provide guidance and suggestions for a system that will suit your home’s needs. No matter what, we’ll get your installation done right – we guarantee it. Give us a call today for all your air conditioning needs!