The Top 5 Signs You May Need To Replace Your Air Conditioner

It’s not cheap to replace an air conditioner, but it’s much more expensive to keep it chugging along for years with high repair costs and emergency fixes. It may be time to swap out that old AC for a new one. But how do you know it’s time? We’ll help you find out if it’s time to call an HVAC contractor in Atlanta. R.S. Andrews is here to help.

1. It’s Been a Decade

According to ENERGY STAR®, an HVAC unit can last up to 10 years. That’s a long time. Any older than that, and you’ll be sure to experience recurring breakdowns, costly repairs, and a home that struggles to stay cool. If your unit hasn’t been keeping up for a while, it could be time for a new one. If it’s been less than 10 years and your AC isn’t working up to par, you probably need maintenance. Our technicians have you covered for that.

Financially, after 10 years, it makes sense to purchase a new air conditioner. And according to Energy.gov, replacing your old unit with a more efficient model can reduce monthly costs from 20% to 40%. Saving monthly with an easy replacement? Yes, please.

2. The Utility Bills Are Rising

You will have to pay high prices for using your air conditioner. But if your monthly bill is increasingly high during the warmer months compared to previous years, it’s a sign it needs a replacement. Older AC units use a refrigerant called R-22. The Environmental Protection Agency discontinued R-22 because of its negative environmental footprint. So if you have a system that uses R-22 and you have a leak, you’re in a pickle. As a deadline to discontinue production, the EPA said in 2020 that there will be no more production or imports with systems using R-22. 

Did you know air conditioners are responsible for over 46% of the average household energy bill? That’s almost half. This percentage equals out to about over $100 a month. The older your unit is, the harder it has to work, and the more energy leaks out. Slash your energy bill in half by getting a 20+ SEER-rated air conditioner. If your unit is 11 or lower, consider replacing it with a new, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly model.

3. Frequent Repairs

As with any aging process, several tune-ups and repairs come with it. As your AC gets older, it’s more susceptible to breaking down. Over time, repair costs will continue to rise as the price of parts becomes harder to source and the cost of labor increases.

Think of it mathematically. If repairs on your unit will cost at least 20% of the price of a new unit, consider replacing your old one. If it’s 30% on the cost of a new one, buy a new unit as soon as possible. If the repair is just a Band-Aid fix, it’s time to buy a new one. If it’s actually solving a problem, that’s different.

4 It’s Making Strange Noises

If you hear clicking, screeching, banging, buzzing, or clanking sounds, that’s a sign of repair or replacement. The occasional pop or whistle is not exactly what we’re talking about here. If the sound is truly odd or out of place, that’s when it’s time to call in a new unit.

If you hear a clicking sound, it’s probably an electrical problem. These electrical issues need an inspection by a professional HVAC contractor. Electrical issues need immediate inspection. If it’s a motor issue, the motor may need to be replaced.

If you hear a banging sound, you can expect it to be an issue with a loose or broken part, usually with a broken compressor. In this case, the unit doesn’t need to be replaced, only a certain part.

A regular buzzing sound can be caused by several things, including broken air filters or blowers, motor failure, and loose fan blades. To find the source of the issue, your best bet is to contact an HVAC contractor, like R.S. Andrews, to fix it.

On the other hand, if you hear a clanking sound, this means it’s urgent. Parts within the unit may be broken, so you must shut off the unit and call a technician immediately. Turning on the unit can worsen the problem.

5. The Unit Has a Foul Odor

Ideally, there’s no smell in your AC unit. If you smell something foul, musty, smoky, or just plain bad, that’s a sign the unit needs fixing or replacement. The smell would be coming from the vents or the main AC unit. Musty smells can indicate mold or mildew buildup.

Mold and mildew can negatively affect your health and respiratory organs. Regular maintenance can prevent this from happening. If you’re unsure whether the smell is a bad sign or not, reach out to an HVAC technician at R.S. Andrews, and we’ll get to you as soon as we can.

Choose the Right AC Unit With R.S. Andrews

Choosing the right unit can be a daunting task. You’ll most likely have it for the next decade. That’s why it’s good to know what’s available in the market. Our HVAC Comfort Advisors can steer you in the right direction about the most efficient, environmentally sustainable, and good for your wallet option.

There are many options on modern HVAC equipment to choose from that we did not have in the past few decades. Matching up the equipment to your home’s needs, your comfort needs, and your efficiency needs takes an expert. We can evaluate your home’s heating load, cooling load, hot/cold spots, airflow issues, and ducts to come up with a plan for your specific needs. At R.S. Andrews, one of our Comfort Advisors will educate you on all current options, pricing, and financing plans we offer.

When it comes time to replace your old unit with a new and improved one that saves money, time, and energy, call R.S. Andrews. Our expert air conditioning installation services will ensure you have the perfect AC unit for your home. Once our team removes your old unit and installs the new one, you can start enjoying a cool and comfortable home! If your AC just has a problem that needs a fix, our technicians also provide quick, reliable, and long-lasting AC repairs.

Call the best HVAC technicians in Atlanta, R.S. Andrews! Call 770-913-6412 to request a quote for an air conditioning installation.