Does Your Air Conditioner Need to be Replaced? Know the Signs
Spring is right around the corner here in Washington. It’s a time of new beginnings. Many Tacoma homeowners take part in spring cleanings, parting with excess junk to start the summer fresh. Clutter can compromise our ability to focus. So, too, can faulty air conditioners.
Spotty cooling steals valuable hours from your sleep schedule as you toss, turn, and fidget with your thermostat. Repeat repairs interrupt your routine and strain your finances. That’s why spring is an excellent time to leave behind your old air conditioner.
Think of new AC as more than just a swap: it is an upgrade. If your current air conditioner is 12 or more years old, you’ll save up to 30 percent on your utility bill by switching to an approved ENERGY STAR® high-efficiency model.
Our team at Resicon is available for a free consultation to help you assess your current AC system and answer any questions. You can also perform your own cost-benefit analysis. The general rule of thumb: if it costs more to keep it working than to buy a new one, you should consider a replacement.
Old air conditioners drop several hints as they begin to fail. Here are five symptoms of a central cooling system past its prime:
It’s More Than A Decade Old
How long has your air conditioner been operating? The average service life of a well-maintained air conditioner is about 15 years. If your AC unit is past the 10-year mark, it might be ready to start planning for a replacement.
It Cools Inconsistently
Does it feel like you’re walking through patches of hot and cold air in your Tacoma home? Do certain rooms feel warmer or cooler than others? This likely means your AC is having circulation problems. This could point to leaky ductwork, which can simply be patched or changed out.
However, it could just as easily be a mechanical problem. As AC units begin to wear down, moving parts like the blower operate at reduced capacity, leading to weaker circulation.
It Constantly Breaks
Occasional repairs are not unheard of, although they are much easier to avoid with seasonal maintenance. On the other hand, you shouldn’t need regular back-to-back fixes to keep the cool air running. If your HVAC specialist has been on top of your phone’s “recently called” list for weeks on end, you should consider an upgrade.
Your Utility Bills Are Higher
Towards the end of their service life, air conditioners become disgruntled and start “slow-walking” tasks they used to have no problem performing. This is a sign of systemic wear-and-tear damage natural with aging air conditioners. They use up more energy to produce the same amount of cooling, which shows up as noticeable spikes in your electric bill.
Your Allergy or Asthma Symptoms Flare Up
One of the less talked about benefits of air conditioners is how they improve indoor air quality (IAQ). Your HVAC filter catches unwanted airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, and dander. The cooling process also balances the air by converting excess humidity into water that goes down the condensate drain. If you’ve noticed the air seems dusty or humid, you may have a problem.
Talk To A Heating and Cooling Specialist
Still undecided? Let one of our friendly specialists at Resicon provide a free consultation on your current model. We can perform a detailed assessment to help you determine whether it’s time for a replacement. If you’re ready to upgrade, we’ll provide options tailored to your home’s needs and budget. Call our Tacoma, WA, headquarters at Resicon or request service online today to learn more.