8 Signs You Need to Replace Your AC

Replacing your AC system is an investment you shouldn’t take lightly. So how can you tell if your air conditioner is nearing the end of its useful life? Just watch for these eight signs.

• Old age: Air conditioners usually last about a decade, provided they receive adequate AC maintenance during that time. After about nine to 12 years of use, the unit may begin acting up. Avoid a total system breakdown by replacing your aging air conditioner this summer.
• Strange noises: Keep an ear out for squealing, grinding, scraping, popping, or banging coming from your air conditioner. These strange noises could be a sign of serious problems with your system, so turn off the AC and call a technician right away.
• Weak airflow: Sometimes, fixing low airflow is as simple as replacing the clogged air filter. If this doesn’t work, the weak airflow could be a sign of a damaged blower motor or failing compressor. There could also be a blockage in your ductwork. It’s best to call a professional who can either diagnose and repair the problem or start recommending replacement options.
• Unpleasant smells: You never want anything but clean-smelling air to flow from your vents. If you detect musty odors, burning smells, or other unpleasant aromas, have a professional take a look. Depending on the problem, an AC replacement could be imminent.
• Home comfort problems: Have you noticed that your ailing air conditioner can no longer keep up with demand on the hottest days? If your home has felt too warm, humid, muggy, or dusty this summer, this could be a clue that it’s time to replace your AC unit.
• Rising energy bills: You might blame your increasing monthly bills on rising energy costs, but poor system performance could also be to blame. With the higher expense of operating an older, less efficient unit, it’s probably more cost-effective to put your money toward an AC replacement instead.
• Increasingly frequent repairs: Old air conditioners are prone to breaking down more often. Consider that the extra money you’re paying for repairs could be put toward buying a more reliable, energy-efficient system.
• R-22 refrigerant leak: Many older air conditioners still use R-22, or Freon, even though this ozone-depleting refrigerant was completely phased out in 2020. If your refrigerant line springs a leak, the repair could be cost-prohibitive due to limited lingering supplies of R-22. This is your cue to upgrade to a new AC that runs on R-410A, or Puron.

Do you still need help determining if your air conditioner has reached the end of its lifespan? Turn to Meadow Air for advice. As an experienced HVAC company serving Buckeye, Maricopa County, and the entire West Valley area, we can help you decide between AC repair and replacement based on your budget and home comfort needs. We also offer AC tune-ups to keep your equipment in top condition for years to come. Call us at (602) 812-0648 or contact us online to schedule AC service today!