Your air conditioner will show signs of wear and tear as it gets older. Breakdowns will also become a common occurrence with time.
Many of these problems can be fixed with a reliable AC service in St. Augustine, FL. However, sooner or later you will need to ask yourself whether you should continue getting the AC repaired or simply buy a completely new model.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the different signs of trouble from your AC which show that you need to get it replaced with a new unit.
Frequent Repairs
If you have an old car, you may have noticed how something is always wrong with one part or another. When you get the engine fixed, the headlights go out. When you get the lights replaced, the fuel efficiency goes down. When you get that fixed, something goes wrong with the battery.
The same thing can happen with air conditioners.
The internal components of an AC are connected to one another. Faults and problems with one component can affect the performance and health of other parts. These problems become worse over time.
One of the fuses in your AC may burn out and when you get it replaced, the refrigerant may develop a leak a few months later. Once you get that fixed, the compressor may start coughing up.
All of these are signs that you need a replacement. An AC is supposed to provide you peace and comfort. If it becomes a source of constant headaches then it is best to buy a new one.
Old Age
Most air conditioners are built to last at least 5 to 10 years. With proper maintenance, the life of an AC can be extended to 15 or even 20 years.
However, air conditioners are not meant to last forever. If your unit is more than 10 years old, chances are that it could be reaching the end of its life.
The maximum warranty offered by most manufacturers is 10 years. You will have to cover the cost of repairs out of your own pocket after that. This can cost you a lot and it may be less expensive to buy a new unit.
Rising Energy Bills
Like most other machines, air conditioners lose efficiency over time. This is a normal part of wear and tear due to usage.
Research shows that air conditioners lose up to 15% efficiency without maintenance each year. Even those ACs that get checked regularly still lose 2% to 3% efficiency annually.
You can limit the rate of decline in efficiency through regular maintenance checks. However, an AC that is 7 or 8 years old will not be as efficient as a completely new unit.
As efficiency goes down, the power usage goes up for the air conditioner. This can raise your utility bills.
Installing a new AC with much better efficiency can help lower your bills by 10% to 30% on average.
Strange Noises That Cannot Be Fixed With Repairs
Has your AC become noisier than it used to be? Internal problems with AC components will make themselves known through strange noises like banging, clattering, whizzing, and gurgling. Most of these issues can be easily fixed by a capable technician.
However, if the sounds do not cease despite multiple inspections from professionals then it is better to just replace the system and buy a new one.
For professional AC service in St. Augustine, FL, contact Climate Masters today!
