No matter how much we want it, no air conditioner can last forever. All of them have a specific lifespan, and they can function smoothly for only that period, after which problems begin to arise. In this blog, we will be talking about the five most common signs that your AC’s unit life is ending.
When Do You Know Your AC's End Is Near?
Before an air conditioner stops functioning, certain signs indicate what is to come.
- Old HVAC
With proper maintenance, most air conditioners appear to last about 20 years. If your unit is approaching that age or is even older, it may be time to replace it. If your old HVAC system breaks down, your warranty may cover the repair or replacement.
- Higher Energy Costs
If your central air conditioning is becoming more expensive to operate, rising energy costs may not be the cause. As your HVAC system ages, it loses efficiency, leading to higher costs. An AC unit loses Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) points as it ages, costing up to 9% of its efficiency per point.
- Ineffective Cooling
When it no longer works, it is an obvious sign that your unit is nearing the end of its life. When you turn on your central air conditioning, cool air should circulate through the vents within a few minutes. If it doesn’t, it’s a sign that your air conditioner is struggling to keep up, especially if it turns on but blows warm air.
- Increase of Moisture
Your air conditioner’s job includes removing humidity from the air inside your home. The evaporator coil accomplishes this by drawing warm air from inside your home, cooling it, and re-directing it. During this process, the moisture removed from the air may leak out of your unit and into the environment. A small amount of water dripping from a home AC unit is normal. However, as your air conditioner ages and loses efficiency or problems with the evaporator coil arise, your unit will no longer be able to extract humidity from the air inside as efficiently as it once did. Your house will feel clammy, and you may notice fog on your windows or moisture around your vents or ductwork. Additionally, mold or mildew growth may occur inside your unit or home.
- Loud and Smelly ACWWQ
A properly working HVAC system should not squeal, rattle, squeak, or grind. Unusual or loud noises while operating indicate that your AC unit is nearing the end of its life. Similarly, strange odors coming from your vents when running your central air could indicate that your AC unit needs to be replaced. When your air conditioner is turned on, the air that comes out should smell fresh. It should never have a musty, moldy, or smoky odor.
Conclusion
If your air conditioner shows the following signs, it is time to replace it. At EASE, we provide various services such as Mini-split systems, Central air systems, AC repair, and AC installation services in San Jacinto, CA, and surrounding areas. So, reach out to our technicians today.