Telltale Signs That an AC Replacement May Be Necessary Before the Start of Summer
Summer is on its way, which means it’s time to turn off the furnace and switch over to the AC. Of course, Michigan summers aren’t exactly blistering - especially in the Upper Peninsula. But between the long, warm days and the natural humidity of the region, things can get pretty uncomfortable without air conditioning.
And since they don’t get used for most of the year, the AC units in many homes may be old, outdated, and a little neglected. Even the mild summer weather often proves to be too much for some old air conditioners, causing them to break down or burn out. Fortunately, that usually doesn’t happen entirely without warning - here are a few ways to tell if an air conditioner is on the verge of quitting.
The Unit Is Aging
Air conditioners and furnaces have a relatively long life expectancy compared to most major home appliances, usually between 15 and 20 years. Naturally, the quality of the installation and maintenance have an impact on lifespan, but even with perfect conditions, units rarely survive much longer than 20 years. Homeowners can check their records to see when the unit was first installed - if it was more than 15 years ago, they shouldn’t feel too bad about wanting an upgrade, especially if the unit has been acting up. An aging AC unit that needs regular repairs probably isn’t worth hanging on to.
The Unit Is No Longer Energy-Efficient
Another thing that often happens with an ailing air conditioner is a loss of efficiency. As the unit’s parts wear down and it struggles to meet the demands of the thermostat, it will use more electricity but be less effective, causing utility costs to rise.
If the unit is older, it may even be undersized or oversized for the home’s current needs, either of which can make its energy efficiency suffer. It’s worth noting that increased energy costs can also be caused by less serious problems that may be solved with repairs or maintenance, such as a dirty air filter, worn fan bearing, or leaky ductwork. This is why it’s important to contact a professional if a spike in energy costs is spotted.
The Home Isn’t Getting Cool
Along the same lines as a loss in efficiency, a failing unit may also run like normal (or more likely, more than normal) but never produce enough cold air. Again, this may be a symptom of a less severe problem like a dirty condenser coil, refrigerant leak, or broken outdoor fan. But it is often caused by a failed compressor, which is essentially a death sentence for the whole unit.
Most compressors used in residential AC systems are hermetically sealed and welded, making their internal components impossible to repair. A replacement compressor is very expensive, so if the AC unit is older (10 or more years), it may be worth replacing the entire unit.
About Swick Home Services
The pros at Swick Home Services have been handling Marquette, Michigan’s plumbing and HVAC needs for over 40 years. Their courteous and highly-trained technicians arrive on time, work efficiently, and leave no mess behind. Swick offers membership perks, a price-matching guarantee, and a satisfaction guarantee. Quick- call Swick Home Services today for AC replacement in Marquette!
