Did you know that HVAC systems only last about 15 to 25 years on average? Depending on how well maintained they are and what climate they’re installed in, that lifespan can be much longer or much shorter.
Knowing if it’s time to replace HVAC systems in your home can save you money and frustration in the long run. Keep reading for four signs that it’s time to talk to a contractor about your system.
1) Increased Energy Bills
The earliest sign that you should replace your AC system is if you notice an increase in your monthly energy bills. This can be caused by a clogged air filter, a refrigerant leak, or even something as simple as your vents being covered by carpets and furniture.
Either way, the result is the same: your HVAC system is having trouble circulating that air throughout your home. Thus, your AC system will work harder and longer to provide the same level of cooling, using more energy and driving your bills up.
Getting a professional to inspect your system to determine if it’s time to repair vs replace HVAC in your home can save you money. Over time, higher energy bills can add up to be more than the cost of a new system.
2) Musty Smells
If you notice that a strange smell is circulating throughout your home, you may have a mold and mildew problem in your air conditioning unit. This is especially common in humid climates because of moisture that condenses in your AC system and ductwork.
If this occurs, you’ll have to have your air filter replaced, your ductwork cleaned, and the interior of your air conditioning unit cleaned. This is because mold growth in your air conditioning unit is more than just a bad smell. Mold spores can pose a serious health hazard to you and your family.
3) Air Circulation Issues
If you turn on your air conditioner but do not feel any air flowing throughout your home, either warm or cold, it’s time for HVAC repair. You’ll have to have the air filter replaced and the fan inspected by a professional to get things going again.
If your air conditioner is blowing hot or warm air, the issue likely lies with a leak in your system’s refrigerant lines. Refrigerant is used to exchange heat within the air conditioner and cool down the air. Damage to the refrigerant lines, which run to the outdoor part of your air conditioner, can happen due to pests, weather, or simple age.
A refrigerant leak requires a professional to come in and repair the system with specialized equipment. If they’ve been damaged, the refrigerant lines will have to be replaced with new ones as well.
4) Strange Noises
Any sort of noisy operation can point to a damaged component within your air conditioner. As soon as you notice the noise, you should turn your unit off. Running the AC with a broken component can make the damage much worse and more expensive to fix.
In some cases, banging sounds can come with a burning smell, either from excessive friction or the motor burning out within the unit. This is the same problem, just slightly more serious. it means that the motor will likely need to be replaced (in some cases, it’s just cheaper to replace your AC system entirely).
Replace HVAC Before It’s Too Late
Keep these above warning signs in mind. While they aren’t everything that can go wrong with your system, they are the major red flags that you’re overdue to replace HVAC systems in your home.
For more information about home maintenance and repair, check out the rest of our blog!
