On average, air conditioning units last between 10-15 years. When you first make the investment, a decade or longer feels like a long time. It goes by fast, though, and some AC units won’t make it much longer than the 10 years.
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In many cases, air conditioning units start showing signs of wear and tear before they need to be replaced. There are those unfortunate homeowners who wake up one day to no air, but usually, there are things that start happening. By recognizing what these signs are, you can prepare yourself for the purchase of a new AC system.
Let’s explore six signs that your air conditioning is on its last leg.
1. No Cold Air
At some point, your air conditioning might stop blowing out cold air. If your AC system isn’t old, it could be an issue with the thermostat or a failed compressor. If you’re just coming off the winter and turning on your central air for the first time, your system might need coolant. But it’s also possible that you could need a new AC installation.
2. Weak Air Flow
If there is little air flow coming through your vents, this is a cause for concern. A common reason for this is a failing compressor. Though compressors are expensive, they are worth fixing if your AC unit is newer.
If you notice that some rooms are receiving cold air while others are not, it’s probably something with your ductwork. Over time, debris can get stuck in your ducts and obstruct airflow. If this is the case, a good ductwork cleaning should do the trick. Plus, you and your family can enjoy better health.
3. Thermostat Problems
The thermostat controls the temperature in the home, so if your rooms aren’t being adequately cooled, it could be with the thermostat rather than the unit itself. One way to tell if this is the case is if some rooms are cold while others have the same temperature. Don’t forget to replace the batteries, too!
4. Moisture in Unusual Places
Moisture or water leaks around your AC unit is can indicate a potential problem. It might be refrigerant leaking, which can cause serious health effects to you and your family. Small pools of water may indicate that the drain tube is clogged or broken. While this isn’t a serious, urgent issue, it should be addressed by an AC service sooner than later.
5. Strange Noises
Air conditioning units have to work hard in the hot, humid, deep south, so you might hear some unusual sounds from this increased production. However, sounds like squealing, grating or grinding may indicate that something is wrong inside the unit.
Fortunately, not all noises are necessarily a sign of something serious. Squealing, for instance, may just be telling you that a part in your AC unit needs more lubrication. This can be taken care of quickly and affordably.
6. Odd Smells
A foul smell coming from your air conditioning vents may mean that the unit’s wire insulation has gone bad. A musty smell usually means that there is mold inside the ductwork. Since mold can have adverse health effects, it’s important to call an HVAC service to clean out your ducts. The smell will be gone, and you can enjoy a cleaner home.
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