3 Unmistakable Signs That Your Air Conditioning System Needs To Be Replaced
With summer finally here, most of us are putting our air conditioning systems through a pretty heavy workout, and it isn't about to stop anytime soon. Because your air conditioning system is being put to such heavy use, the summer months are the most likely time for any issues with your system to spring up, and while it might not be that difficult to determine whether or not your air conditioning system is in need of repairs, it can be a bit more difficult to determine whether or not total replacement of your system is going to be the better alternative. While this might seem like a subjective decision from homeowner to homeowner, there is a certain point at which your old air conditioning system just isn't going to be cost effective to keep repaired anymore, and it is important to know when that moment comes, otherwise you could wind up paying a small fortune to keep your old system running when it might just be better to put it out to pasture. To assist you in knowing when exactly this time comes, our team of professionals have taken the time to put together this short list detailing just a few of the signs to be on the lookout for that might indicate you should start looking for a replacement instead of seeking out repairs for your home's air conditioning system.
No Cool Air
If you notice that your system, even when running at full blast, just isn't outputting air that's as cold as it used to be, or any cold air at all, it is usually a sign that your system is in need of serious repair. While there are a number issues that could cause this, you want to make sure that you have a professional come out and take a look at your unit to help you determine whether or not it is going to be a simple fix, or whether it is a symptom of a much larger problem. In some cases, while a repair might fix the issue, it could be an issue that is going to start popping up more and more as your system continues to age, and the extra money that you have to spend putting into repairs could be more responsibly spent investing in a new system altogether.
Poor Air Flow
One of the other more common issues that result in homeowners choosing to replace their old air conditioning systems comes about when the compressor starts to fail. If you notice that your system has weak air flow coming from your vents, it could be a clean indication that your compressor might be failing. On the other hand, if you notice that other rooms of the home are flowing just fine, but you have one or two rooms that just won't stay at the same temperature as other rooms in the house, it could be an indication that the issue lies in your air ducts, and not with your air conditioning system. Poor air flow can sometimes be the result of debris or dust getting stuck in your vents, and this can be fairly easily cleared away to fix the issue, but with the compressor in your system starts to go, it might be time to start considering making the investment in a replacement.
Strange Sounds
While air conditioning systems are supposed to make noises to an extent while they are running, if you notice that your system starts to make squealing, grating, or grinding sounds, it could be an indicator that your current system is running on its last legs. These noises usually mean that there is an issue with the actual mechanical components of your system, and usually indicate that a breakdown is imminent. If you notice that your system starts making these kinds of noises, it is a good idea to have a professional come out and make sure that your system is safe to run in the meantime, and start looking at replacement options. Taking the time to start looking for your replacement system before your old system completely breaks down can save you a great deal of time and discomfort since you won't be stuck waiting to have cool air again until after your new system is finally installed.