Signs It's Time For A New Air Conditioning System

Have you gotten the feeling lately that your AC unit is reaching the end of its lifespan? Maybe you’ve heard strange noises coming from your system or noticed interesting smells. At Air Tech of Humble, we want to help you get to the bottom of your air conditioning needs, whether it’s time for repair, maintenance or replacement. We’ve also got a few tips for keeping your unit in good shape year-round. Read below to learn more!

What Is the Normal Lifespan of an AC Unit?

Older systems can last anywhere from 10-12 years whereas more modern systems can survive up to 20 years if they are well taken care of, but, the lifespan of your air conditioner can depend on a few factors such as:

• The age of your system
• When it was installed
• How well you’ve maintained it

If you’re not sure how old your system is, try checking your outdoor unit for a nameplate. This is where you will find the manufacturer’s date, which will sometimes be labeled as “MFR DATE”. This date will usually consist of a month and a year.

Of course, you can’t count on the manufacturer’s date to give you a good indication of how much longer you’ve got with your AC system unless you’ve maintained it throughout the years.

So, with that being said, how can you make sure you extend the life of your unit and protect your home in the process?

How Can I Maintain My Air Conditioning System in Texas?

AC systems are just like cars, meaning, they require tune-ups and maintenance every now and then to make sure all of the parts are working as they should be. When you regularly get tune-ups and maintenance, the life of your system will elongate.

Preventative Maintenance

HVAC tune-ups are ideally performed biannually in the spring and summer to ensure that your HVAC system is working effectively before the usually drastic changes in weather and temperature as the seasons change. These include checking the refrigerant levels and air flow, checking the indoor evaporator coil for blockages, cleaning and adjusting blower components and more.

These inspections are vital for catching electrical and technical mishaps before they happen and can save you big in the long run!

How Do I Know When It’s Time To Replace My AC System?

There are a few tell-tale signs that it’s time to think about replacing your system. Some of these include the following:

Frequent Breakdowns or Repairs

If you find yourself needing to call a repairman frequently and you haven’t been receiving tune-ups or maintenance, it might be time to think about replacement. Usually, breakdowns are a result of one or more of your air conditioning parts not being tended to properly. When left too long without attendance, these parts can wear and tear just like anything else.

Paying for constant repairs can, in some cases, add up and be more expensive than replacing your system altogether.

Your Energy Bills Have Skyrocketed

If your energy bills have seemingly increased out of nowhere, it may be because your unit is having to work harder than it should to cool or heat your home. This lack of efficiency could mean it’s time to have your AC inspected or completely upgraded.

Funny Sounds or Odors

If your AC unit is the source of any interesting smells or sounds, this might be a problem. Sounds like grinding, rattling, or squealing could mean anything from blockage to a faulty compressor. Smells like sewage or mold could mean issues with your water supply.

None of these issues by themselves mean total replacement unless your system is truly reaching the end of its life. Either way, you’ll want to have a technician come out and inspect your system if you smell or hear something unusual.

Call Air Tech of Humble for AC Installation, Tune-Up or Repair!

Whether you’re ready for AC repair, tune-up, installation or just have questions about any type of service we provide, give us a call today. We have proudly served Humble and the surrounding area for years and would love to add you to our list of happy customers.

Call us today to schedule!