Whether you need minor repairs or a system replacement, call the experts. Call ACS today on 0403 254 272. In the meantime, we’ve come up with 7 signs that it’s time to replace your air conditioner.
1. Not Cooling Anymore
One obvious sign that could indicate that your air conditioner is on its last legs is when it stops producing cold air. Whether the air coming from the system doesn’t seem as cool as it should be or your ducted air conditioner is cooling some rooms but not others, you may need to consider replacing the entire unit.
However, in the case of a ducted air conditioner only cooling some rooms, it could be a simple problem of obstructions in the ducts or filters that are blocking the airflow. Conversely, with a split system unit that is producing warm air, it could simply indicate that the refrigerant levels are low.
It can be hard to tell if you need to replace your air conditioning unit just because it is no longer producing cold air (although if the system is over 10 years old it will most likely need replacing). That’s why it is generally a good idea to have an air conditioning specialist take a look at your AC unit before replacing it as it may simply need minor repairs to get it back up and running again.
2. Reduced Air Flow
Reduced airflow from your air conditioner is another indication that it may need to be replaced. However, there are a number of other factors that can contribute to a reduced airflow that will not require you to replace the whole system.
For example, a lower air flow rate can be caused by a dirty filter. If this is the case, simply replacing the filter will restore that full airflow of your unit. Similarly, reduced airflow can indicate a damaged compressor meaning that you may only need to replace a single part to get your unit back in working order.
3. Randomly Turning Off and On
If your air conditioner has begun to have difficulty getting started, turns off and on more frequently, or randomly turns itself off in the middle of a cycle there is a pretty good chance that you will need to replace your unit.
Although this problem could be caused by a simple blown fuse, if your air conditioner is short cycling or turning off and on too frequently there will be more stress on the system. The added stress to the system can prematurely age your unit and lead to an early breakdown. This means that it is important to address this problem early to prevent any further damage to the unit.
4. Energy Bill Increase
An early indication of a failing air conditioner is a sudden increase in your energy bill for no apparent reason. This is something that every air conditioner owner should look out for as it could indicate a major problem with your unit, even though everything else about the air conditioner may appear to be running as usual.
Make sure that you rule out any other factors that may have contributed to the spike in your energy bill before rushing to replace your air conditioner. Once you are certain that the air conditioner has caused the bill increase, you will need to address the problem, even though the unit may seem fine.
An increase in energy usage could mean that the air conditioner is overworking to maintain the room temperature. This may be caused by a dirty filter or air vent that is affecting the airflow through the system. It could also mean that there is a lump or knot in the condenser coil.
Once you have ruled out these issues, the most likely cause is that your air conditioner is reaching the end of its lifetime. Continuing to use an air conditioner that is becoming less energy efficient will end up costing you more in running costs than replacing the system straight away would.
5. Major Repair After Warranty
Another obvious sign that it is time to replace your air conditioner is if it requires a major repair and it is outside of the warranty period. On average, an air conditioner will require one major repair or part replacement in its lifetime.
If your air conditioner is already quite old (outside of its warranty period) and requires a major repair it is usually an indication that the system will require more repairs in the future. There is no point in pouring money into an appliance that is already on its way out.
Replacing an air conditioner that requires constant repairs to keep it running will end up saving you money in the long run, as you won’t be spending all that money on repairs only to inevitably have to replace the system in the near future.
6. Leaking or Excess Moisture
It’s normal for there to be a small amount of condensation or moisture on the outdoor unit of a split system air conditioner. However, generally, an air conditioner should be kept dry. If your air conditioner is leaking or producing excess moisture you should call a professional straight away as water and electrical components can be dangerous.
Additionally, the leaking liquid could be refrigerant. Refrigerant poses health risks and should only be handled by a trained professional.
If your air conditioner has is leaking or producing excess moisture call your local air conditioner experts at Advanced Climate Solutions. We offer a 24 hour emergency breakdown service to ensure that your air conditioner runs smoothly and efficiently all year round. Call 0403 254 272 today.
7. Abnormal Noises or Odours
If your air conditioner is producing abnormal sounds it could just mean that it needs minor repairs as the fan may not be working properly or an internal part may have come loose. However, screeching, grinding or ticking noises may indicate a more serious problem with your system. Contact an air conditioning specialist if you’re not sure.
If your air conditioner starts to give off a strange smell it could mean that the filter needs replacing. However, it could also mean that the insulation is damaged or the ductwork is mouldy. This should be addressed immediately as it will affect the air quality in your home and may cause health issues for the whole household.
There is no set lifetime for an air conditioner. The lifetime of an air conditioner can vary with the model, frequency of servicing, how it is used and the climate in which it is used. So it can be hard to tell whether your air conditioner needs to be repaired or replaced.
Advanced Climate Solutions
Choose an air conditioning company that you can trust to give you the right advice for your system and situation rather than what’s best for their back pocket. Advanced Climate Solutions is dedicated to providing cost-effective solutions for all your air conditioning needs from simple repairs to unit replacement.
For quality advice you can rely on and competitively priced services call ACS on 0403 254 272.
