Watch Out for These 3 Signs Your AC Is Failing!
As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, homeowners switch their thermostats to “cool” and let the air conditioner work its magic. But many homeowners may find that their ACs aren’t quite up to the task after the long winter hiatus.
The AC may run all day without making much difference, cool the house unevenly, or simply break down altogether. Instead of getting stuck without a working AC on a hot and humid day, homeowners can keep reading to learn how to spot the early warning signs that an air conditioner is on its last leg.
Unpleasant Smells & Unusual Noises
The first thing to be mindful of is if any strange smells or sounds are coming from the unit or the supply registers. A musty odor could mean mold is growing inside the unit, which is not uncommon in humid climates. A burning smell could indicate an exposed wire or other electrical issues. It may be possible to resolve these issues with a thorough cleaning or repairs, but a replacement may be the best option if the damage is extensive.
Similarly, strange noises such as squealing, scraping, banging, rattling, or metallic grinding could point to problems like a loose component or a fan bearing needing lubrication that could be fixed with repairs. Or the sounds could be caused by more serious problems like a refrigerant leak or faulty compressor. Repairing these issues can be extremely costly, so replacing the AC in many cases may make more economic sense.
Unexplained Increases In Energy Usage
Another sign of trouble for air conditioners is an unexpected increase in energy costs. As the AC unit gets older, it will operate less efficiently than it used to, mainly due to normal wear and tear. This loss in efficiency and performance will cause the unit to consume more energy, driving up electricity costs. Add to this the fact that newer units are generally more energy-efficient, to begin with, and it may look more and more appealing to get rid of that old clunker and install a new AC.
Other Common Signs of a Failing AC
Another sign that the AC is on its way out is the age of the unit. Most older air conditioners have a life expectancy of about 10-15 years. If the unit is in that range but still functioning well, there’s probably no need to replace it yet.
However, if the house never gets cool enough, constantly feels humid, or the AC system is otherwise failing to do its job properly, and the unit is coming up on 10 years or older, it could mean the end is near. Likewise, if an older unit is inefficient or always in need of repairs and tune-ups, it may be time to call it quits and replace it with a new, more energy-efficient AC.