Air Conditioner Replacement
Your HVAC system is just like any other mechanical device. Many times it provides warning signs long before a catastrophic failure. Any Texan will admit that a properly functioning air conditioner is essential during peak summer heat. So, before temperatures begin to rise, it is time to schedule your seasonal HVAC maintenance to make sure your system is ready for summer.
The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 10-15 years if properly maintained. There are many factors that can affect that average, such as improper installation and neglected maintenance, just to name a few. If your HVAC system is approaching its end of life, you may notice the following warning signs that it is time for an air conditioner replacement.
Warning Sign 1: Water Leaks or Water Draining from Condensate Line
For the most part, your air conditioner is a contained system, meaning that there should not be large amounts of condensation built up or water leaking from any components. A few of the reasons your AC system may be leaking fluid are a clogged condensate drain line, a clogged filter, or a refrigerant leak. Although the drain line and clogged filter are easy fixes for most homeowners, a refrigerant leak is a more serious problem and will need a skilled HVAC technician to resolve.
Warning Sign 2: Loud Noises Coming from Your HVAC System
This is one of the easiest-to-recognize warning signs. If your air conditioning system suddenly begins to make unusual noises, it is a sure sign of major problems developing. Strange noises coming from your HVAC system should prompt an immediate call to your trusted R.M. Mullinix AC technician. Grinding, banging, or any other loud noises are likely leading to a major failure in your HVAC system and could lead to an air conditioner replacement.
Warning Sign 3: Your AC System Still Uses Freon
AC systems that use freon as a refrigerant are almost completely phased out. As of 2020, freon is no longer being manufactured. If your AC system uses freon as its refrigerant, it is only a matter of time before it will no longer be able to be recharged.
Newer air conditioning systems use Puron, a more energy-efficient and eco-friendly refrigerant. Whether your freon-based air conditioning system is experiencing problems or not, it is only a matter of time before you will be updating your system with a new air conditioner replacement.
Warning Sign 4: Lack Of Efficient Cooling
Just like most mechanical devices, as they age, they become less efficient. Your AC system functions the same way. As your AC system ages, it will become more difficult year after year to maintain the same level of comfort. Proper maintenance will help with keeping your system energy efficient.
Neglected maintenance will put unnecessary stress on your system to keep the same level of comfort for you and your family. Monitoring your temperature setting will alert you to breakdowns in the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Warning Sign 5: Sudden Increases in Utility Bills
If you notice a sudden increase in your utility bill while not making drastic changes to your thermostat settings, there may be an issue. Sudden increases in electricity usage for your AC system reflect a decrease in energy efficiency. In most cases, this efficiency will steadily decline as time passes. An air conditioner replacement is in the foreseeable future when you begin to see your utility bills climb.
How to Tell It Is Time for an Air Conditioner Replacement
If you are experiencing any one of these warning signs, it is crucial that you call our R.M. Mullinix AC team for a system inspection. Our NATE-certified HVAC technicians will provide a comprehensive assessment to identify potential problems and create a solution to keep your HVAC system performing at its best. If an air conditioner replacement is required, our seasoned technicians can design an HVAC system that will keep you and your family comfortable for many years to come.
For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our air conditioner replacement services, schedule an appointment or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.