Replacing an HVAC unit is one of the priciest expenses a homeowner can face. A new air conditioner can cost $5,000 or more, depending on the quality and brand. You don’t want to install a new one if you can avoid it. If you can’t, you want plenty of warning to find the best deal. Here are five signs that say it’s time to replace an HVAC unit.
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An Old Unit
The experts at Energy.gov suggest that the average lifespan of an air conditioning unit is 15–20 years. If your home is approaching that age, it’s time to plan for an upgrade. People who bought used homes have a murkier situation. You’ll want to research the age of your home to discover if it’s more than 20 years old.
Presuming that’s the case, you can discover the age of your air conditioner by using available internet resources. Keep in mind that even if the unit is less than 15 years old, it could still need replacement given one of the parameters below.
Inconsistent Temperatures
Your air conditioner only has one purpose: it should ventilate the rooms of your home such that you’re comfortable during even the hottest weather. The clearest sign that your HVAC is about to fail occurs when the temperature in your home fluctuates. When your thermometer indicates a different one than what the setting suggests, it needs replacement. At a minimum, you’ll want to call a professional to service your unit.
Constant Repairs
Even if an air conditioner repairman can fix the issue, you should still keep in mind the amount of repairs performed. Needing repairs can be an early warning signal that your device has problems. Should you suffer repeated instances of hardware malfunction, you’re merely putting off the inevitable by continually repairing the struggling unit. Anything more than a couple of HVAC repairs signals that you should start looking for a new model. Your current one is likely to fail sooner rather than later.
Too Much Dust and Humidity
Poor air quality is another troubling issue. When your HVAC unit operates properly, it should distribute cool air throughout the home. A large amount of dust mites means that your device is struggling. This problem is even more of a concern if it combines with dry air. Your HVAC is clearly malfunctioning if you’re experiencing both issues in tandem.
Other Oddities
Does your HVAC unit smell? Does it make loud noises when it operates? Have your utility bills increased dramatically from previous years? All of these are symptoms of a larger problem. Strange smells and loud noises are strong indicators that your device is on its last legs. A spike in your utility bills shows that your device isn’t working efficiently any longer. Each of these problems is repairable for a time, but all of them are cause for alarm.
Having to replace your HVAC is rarely good news. By anticipating the issue, you can save yourself money, though. Keep an eye out for these five issues to know when your air conditioner is about to die.