Signs You Need an AC Replacement
When the Florida sun starts to beat down in July, you can’t afford for your air conditioner (AC) to suddenly malfunction. Luckily, total AC failures rarely happen without warning. There are a few common signs that you may need an AC replacement. By noticing these signs and being proactive, you can reduce the likelihood of an unexpected breakdown ruining your summertime fun.
Common Signs You Need an AC Replacement
Are frequent repairs and high energy costs sapping your budget? It might not be a total coincidence. If you need an air conditioning replacement, you may start to notice these and other signs.
Your AC System Is Over 10 Years Old
On average, most ACs last for around 10 to 15 years. Once they reach the 10-year mark, they are more likely to require repairs. Energy costs will start to go up as they lose efficiency, making a replacement more important.
Frequent Repairs Are Draining Your Wallet
If you can’t afford another repair, it may be time to replace the AC unit. Costly repairs occur at a more frequent rate before a total HVAC failure happens. Eventually, performing additional repairs is simply throwing your money away because you’ll have to complete another round of repairs before long.
Fortunately, there are a few ways you can make your AC replacement better for your budget. There is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax credit and Florida-based rebates that allow you to recuperate your upfront investment in an energy-efficient AC installation.
Inconsistent Cooling or Weak Airflow
One of the common signs your AC isn’t functioning properly is weak airflow. If there’s an issue with your AC blower or condenser unit, it can prevent proper airflow from happening. Depending on the cause, it may make more financial sense to replace your AC unit instead of repairing it.
As a general guideline, you can use the $5,000 rule to determine when a repair or replacement makes more sense. Multiply the cost of repairs by how old the unit is. If the resulting answer is less than $5,000, repairs will generally be the most cost-effective path forward. When the result is more than $5,000, you should consider a replacement instead.
Your Energy Bills Keep Climbing
Before you are forced to invest in a new air conditioning installation, you’ll often notice higher energy bills. Your AC’s performance is directly tied to how much energy it uses to function. If it isn’t performing well, it has to operate for longer periods of time. As a result, your energy costs will continue to spiral until you replace the air conditioning system.
Strange Noises or Odors
Well-maintained ACs shouldn’t make clanging noises, burning smells, or other weird symptoms. Before an AC breaks down completely, you’ll often notice unusual odors and smells. Some of these problems can be dangerous, which is why it’s important to reach out for professional help right away. For example, burning smells can indicate an electrical malfunction or fire hazard.
Your Home Has Grown or Changed
Even if your AC is working fine, there are still times when an air conditioning replacement makes sense. Over time, homeowners often add extra bedrooms, home offices, or mother-in-law suites to the original structure. When this happens, you also need to get your existing air conditioning unit reevaluated.
Each AC installation is intended for a specific home size. If you have an undersized AC, it will stay on for longer to reach the same temperature. Over time, this can increase the AC’s wear and lead to premature breakdowns. One of our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) specialists can carefully review your existing system to determine the number of British Thermal Units (BTU) your home needs to stay cold.
Your AC Still Uses R-22 (Freon)
Currently, R-22 or freon is in the process of being totally phased out. While you’re allowed to continue using your existing HVAC system, sourcing R-22 will become increasingly difficult as time goes on. At the current level of the phasedown, producing and importing R-22 is banned completely. Because of this, it’s a good idea to consider an AC replacement if your existing unit relies on R-22.
Ready for a Replacement? Here’s What To Expect
If you want to replace an AC unit, our team can help. At One Hour, we can evaluate your existing setup to determine if repairs or replacements are the best way forward. Then, we will work through the following replacement process.
- We’ll evaluate your home and calculate the BTUs you will need.
- On the day of your replacement, we’ll show up on time and ready to get started.
- Our HVAC technicians will carefully remove your old unit.
- We’ll work quickly to install the new AC, ductwork replacements, and any additional HVAC equipment.
- When we’re done with the installation, we will carefully clean up the entire site.
While each installation is different, it generally takes us just four to eight hours to complete the entire process. As we carry out your air conditioning replacement, we’ll keep you informed about what to expect.
Get Your Air Conditioner Professionally Evaluated
At Orlando One Hour, you can get a free consultation about your air conditioning installation. We’ll diagnose the underlying problem and help you figure out the most cost-effective way to deal with it. From state-of-the-art equipment to timely services, we will make sure you have the best experience possible.
We’re on time, or you don’t pay a dime!
Learn more about Orlando AC replacements and how it can increase the value of your home by reaching out to One Hour today.