Are you worried about your AC unit?

Your air conditioner plays a vital role in keeping your home comfortable. To do that it needs to run at its most efficient and stay in good condition. But if you’re not an HVAC technician, it can be difficult to tell when your unit needs some TLC.

That’s where we can help! Keep reading for these 10 signs your air conditioner needs to be replaced or have repairs today.

 

1. There Is Little or No Airflow

This is one of the most obvious signs you’ll see that your AC system is in trouble. If you can’t feel the air at the vents or it’s very weak then your air won’t circulate as it should.

This means that your home would cool as it should either. For hotter regions, you’ll find yourself getting uncomfortable fast. A lot of the time, this is a sign that your air ducts or compressor aren’t right.

You’ll want to call in a professional who has the expertise to assess the issue. It might be a simple case of changing the filters, or you might need and whole new AC unit.

 

2. Your AC Unit Blows Hot Air

The main purpose of your AC unit is to cool you down when the weather gets too hot. One of the most common AC issues is it’s blowing hot air, which as you can guess, won’t keep you cool.

There are a few reasons this could happen, one being a broken compressor that doesn’t cool the air. It could also show that you’re running low on refrigerant and need it topped up.

It could be an issue with your duct too somewhere. Something would cause the unit to pull air from outside of the attic space. Instead, it should always pull it from the compressor where it’s cooled.

 

3. You Notice a Bad Smell

Unpleasant smells are a bad sign when it comes to repairing AC units or replacing AC units. It could be a household mold build-up if it’s a musty, damp smell. These spores can blow through your home and make you sick.

If it’s a strong burning smell, there could be an electrical or insulation fault. This can be a serious fire hazard, and you should shut off your unit right away. In both cases, call out an HVAC technician right away to fix the issue.

 

4. You Hear Weird Noises

There are a few sounds your AC unit can make that are signs it’s time for an AC system upgrade. Here are some common ones you want to look out for.

Clicking in the Outdoor Unit When On

This is a sign that there might be something obstructing your fan in the outdoor unit. Make sure you inspect it and remove any debris. You should do this as part of your regular HVAC maintenance.

Clicking in the Outdoor Unit and It Won’t Switch On

There could be an electrical fault in at least one component. It’s best to call in the professionals to give your unit the once over and find the source of the issue.

Gurgling/Bubbling Sounds

This is likely your condensate drain making this gurgling noise. If that’s all that’s going on, it’ll likely not cause you much issue. But, it could also be a sign of a refrigerant leak so it’s best to get it checked.

Banging From the Outdoor Unit

This is likely a sign your fan is hitting into something. It could be a larger obstruction, or it could have come loose from its mount. If it’s come loose, the noise happens as it hits its protective cage.

Squealing Inside the Indoor Unit

This is usually a good indicator that something is wrong with your fan belt. It may stop and start and you might not think it’s a huge deal but don’t ignore it. If you do, you could cause serious damage to the belt and if it breaks, your unit won’t work at all.

Screeching Metal

This is likely to occur in your outdoor unit and is usually a problem with the fan. The motor bearing can pack in and if that’s the case you’ll likely need a new fan completely.

High-Pitched Screaming

This usually indicates a compressor issue. Pressure can build up inside the system which is very dangerous. There should be a safety switch that will shut the unit down if it gets too high. If not, you’ll want to shut it off yourself and call out a technician.

With all these noises it’s better to be safe than sorry. Even if you don’t hear it all the time the AC unit is on, call in a professional. They can give your unit a once-over and spot any small issues before they become costly large ones.

 

5. The Thermostat Won’t Work

This is the control system of your AC unit, telling which parts to run and how long. It’s always measuring and taking a second look at those instructions. If your unit doesn’t turn on or it’s only running for a short time, it could be a faulty thermostat.

This is another of the most common signs of needing repairs or even replacement units. At the very least, the thermostat might need replacing to get your unit accurate again. This is another job for the professionals, as it’s vital if you want an efficient system.

 

6. It’s Breaking Down Often

If you have had to repair a few components in your unit one after the other it’s time to consider an upgrade. This is especially the case if it’s gotten to the point where almost every month something goes wrong.

There is little point in paying for repairs if they’re only prolonging your AC’s life for a short time. In the long run, it’ll be cheaper to replace your unit with a new one as those repair costs soon add up as they stack.

Your HVAC technician will be able to give advice on the current state of your AC system. We know it’s not always in the immediate budget to pay for a full new system, but it’s worth considering still.

 

7. There Is Too Much Humidity In Your Home

Another vital job your AC unit does is helping to control humidity levels in your home. If you notice it’s no longer doing that, then it’s time to call in professional help.

This is a very serious fault and could be very dangerous for you and your family. This is because humidity provides the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.

If ignored, this spreads and can cause serious health issues for those living in the property. If you have people with allergies and asthma, this could make their conditions even worse.

 

8. Moisture is Leaking Around or Inside the Unit

Not all moisture in the system is bad, sometimes it’s only condensation. But, if you’re noticing a large build-up of water or it’s a weird color then it’s time to get it looked at.

The most serious AC system leak is a refrigerant leak as it’s poisonous to you, your family, and your pets. It’s also damaging to the environment if it gets outside your home.

If this is the case there could be a blockage in the drain line, or it’s broken over time. Wear and tear can happen, so that’s why regular annual or bi-annual checkups are a must.

If you notice any leaking, it’s not something you want to delay. Call up your technician right away for an emergency appointment. It’s not worth putting your safety at risk.

 

9. Your Utility Costs Have Spiked

If you notice your utility bills shooting through the roof it could be a sign your AC unit isn’t efficient. Over time, their efficiency will drop so that’s normal, but a large spike indicates it’s on its last legs.

It’s also normal for bills to go up in the summer when you use your AC more. You want to look for rises that don’t fall in line with the higher demand you have for your unit.

It’s best to let a professional take a look. It could be a simple issue with the thermostat or a moderate issue with the ductwork. Or, it might be the inevitable case that your unit has reached the end of its life.

 

10. Your System is Old

One of the last signs your AC unit needs replacing or repairs is how old it is. You should expect a good 10 years on average for an AC unit. If yours is over that age or near it, it’s time to consider a new one.

The expense of a new AC unit isn’t cheap, but in the long run, it’ll be less than constant repairs to keep the old one going. A new unit will be more efficient too, saving money on your utility bills.

 

Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs to Be Replaced

Don’t ignore these signs your air conditioner needs to be replaced or you could be in for some trouble. From mold and mildew to dangerous pressure build-ups, it’s not worth ignoring the signs. You deserve an AC unit that works as it should to keep your home cool and not cause you headaches.

If you’re looking for an HVAC technician you can trust, contact us today. At Air Force Air Conditioning & Heating, we’ll help with all your AC needs to the highest satisfaction.