Signs a Home’s AC Needs Replacing Before Summer Begins
There’s really not a worse time than in the middle of summer to have an AC unit replaced. So many homeowners decide to have their old or failing units replaced before summer starts. But it can be hard to tell whether an AC unit actually needs to be replaced or if it just needs some attention from an HVAC professional. Luckily, there are three major criteria that can help homeowners decide whether or not they need to replace their AC unit before summer starts or not. Read on to find out all about those three signs and what they mean.
15 to 20-Year-Old AC Unit
The first thing homeowners should look at during the spring is how old their AC is. In a perfect world, HVAC systems would last forever. Unfortunately, in this world, AC units only last an average of 15 to 20 years. So those homes with older units will want to pay close attention to the other two signs below because all three combined mean that the AC unit is on its last legs.
But number alone isn’t the only factor affecting the age of the unit. When AC units don’t receive proper care and maintenance, they can age prematurely. Some AC units fail long before their 15 to 20-year lifespan. Much of the time this is due to the home’s previous owners and the way they took care of the system. Other AC units can be over 20 years old and running fine, although this isn’t the norm.
Loss of Efficiency and Increased Costs
Next up on the list of signs to look out for is loss of efficiency. This is a sign that an AC unit is either aging or needs repair. And the best way to see a decline in efficiency is by paying close attention to the utility bills. When the home’s energy habits don’t change significantly, but the utility bills go up anyway, it’s a sign that the AC could be losing efficiency.
While this may not seem like a big deal at first, over time the efficiency will continue to fall, costing more and more money until the unit is replaced or repaired. Determining which is the best course requires the help of an HVAC technician who can run tests and diagnose the issue.
Struggling To Cool the Home
The last sign on the list is all about how well the unit works to cool the house. Failing units have to struggle to cool the house— sometimes running for hours only to get a drop of one or two degrees. This is never a good sign, but it doesn’t always mean that it’s time to replace the unit. It could mean that the filter needs replacing, the refrigerant is leaking, or a handful of other issues.
Those homeowners who notice a difference in the way their AC unit cools their home should contact a professional HVAC company immediately. Letting it go on for too long can cause irreparable damage, turning a repair job into a replacement job.
About Skovron Mechanical Services LLC
Skovron Mechanical Services has been serving Manchester, NH, since 2005. They offer unparalleled customer service and a whole-property approach to every job. They offer up-front pricing and always guarantee satisfaction. Contact them to find out if AC replacement is right for the home.
