6 Signs That You Need Air Conditioning Replacement Soon

You know that the average life expectancy of a home air conditioning system is between 15 to 20 years, and you are wondering if you will need to bite the bullet and replace it with a new air conditioning installation. But how do you know that it is time for replacing your current HVAC system? Here are some signs to look for:

1 – The Air Conditioner is Over 15 Years Old

Based on the average life expectancy of an air conditioning system, you know that yours is nearing the end of its life. Parts for it will be harder to find, and repairs will be more expensive, not to mention that as air conditioning installations age, they become less efficient.

2 – The A/C Has Trouble Cooling Your Home

Older air conditioning installations may have trouble maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home due to the reduced efficiency as it ages. It is also possible that your existing unit wasn’t the correct size for your home in the first place, or it is no longer functioning properly.

3 – Summertime Energy Bills Keep Increasing

The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) number tells you how efficient your air conditioning system is. Typically, the air conditioner’s efficiency tends to decline over time as well. New A/C systems have efficiency ratings anywhere from 14 to 25. A vast improvement over the average SEER of A/C units installed 15 to 20 years ago. A SEER rating that is just a little higher than the rating of your current system can amount to tremendous energy efficiency savings.

4 – The Air Conditioner Requires Additional R-22 Refrigerant

R-22 refrigerant–AKA freon–is being phased out and replaced by coolants that are non-ozone depleting (and friendlier to the environment) than R-22. New laws require this replacement in most areas of the country, and the cost of R-22 is rising significantly as it becomes harder and harder to find.

5 – The A/C System Operates Louder or Emits Strange Noises

If your air conditioning system is working well, it should be fairly quiet, but as the system ages, it may get louder in volume or make loud grinding or squeaking sounds. Either of these may be a sign of problems with the unit and you should have a qualified service technician inspect it to make sure that it is running safely.

6 – Strange Odors in the Home When the AC is Running

A moldy smell when you turn on your air conditioning system may be an indicator of mold and mildew build-up on your evaporator coil. Burning smells may indicate that the motor is overheating or the plastic sheathing on the wiring may be melting. Another smell that you should immediately address is any rotten egg odor. This is an indicator of a gas leak.

Is Your Current AC System in Need of Air Conditioning Replacement?

If one or more of these signs apply to your existing A/C system, give the HVAC experts at Muirfield Mechanical a call at (978) 296-5251, fill out our easy contact form, or send email to lswanson@muirfieldmechanical.com. We can schedule an inspection of your current system and help you make the decision. Put 50+ years of HVAC experience to work for you TODAY!