How to Know You Need a New AC

We’re only a few days away from summer. That means your air conditioner is going to be as busy as a bee. But if you have an old unit, can it keep up with your home’s heating demands? What guarantee do you have that it’s going to keep you and your family comfortable in the midst of scorching summer heat?

Typically, air conditioners are considered old and inefficient if they’re at least 10 years old. However, if you have a well-maintained system, it can probably last about 15 years.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your trusted HVAC company in Lino Lakes MN that offers Lennox air conditioners, which are regarded as some of the best in the industry.

Here are a few warning signs telling you it’s time to shop for a new air conditioner.

Subpar Cooling

This problem is pretty easy to detect: there’s no cool air. Even if you set the thermostat all the way down, it doesn’t make things any better. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner blowing warm air is low refrigerant. This is the substance that takes away the heat in your home and moves it outside. Even a small loss in refrigerant can cause your AC to fail to perform its job.

Believing that refrigerant gets used up is a myth. When your unit is low on refrigerant, it means there’s a leak somewhere in the system that needs to be addressed immediately. Failure to rectify such an issue right away can lead to more serious problems, including a damaged compressor, which is a costly price to repair or replace.

If you have an old air conditioner that fails to meet your cooling demands, it might be time to start browsing for a replacement.

An Inefficient AC

The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) measures an air conditioner’s cooling efficiency. A higher SEER rating means greater energy efficiency. An efficient air conditioner cools your home in the most energy-efficient ways.

Today, the minimum SEER rating for air conditioners is 13. Most modern cooling systems have a SEER rating of 13-26. If your existing unit has a SEER rating lower than 13, it means you’re paying more to feel cool. And that’s not cool!

Expensive Repairs

Air conditioners aren’t built to last a lifetime. They aren’t invincible either. Even if we don’t want them to, some parts get old and start to fail, needing replacement. Well, that’s normal for any air conditioner, or any household appliance, for that matter. But if the repairs are beginning to pick up and more and more parts have to be replaced, it could be a sign of a failing unit. These repair costs can really pile up, and trying to manage them can be frustrating. Try to analyze your repair expenses. If you think it costs too much to maintain your old air conditioner, looking for a new one should make more sense.

Refrigerant Type

Check your user’s manual (if you still have it) and see what type of refrigerant your air conditioner uses. If it’s R22, it means that not only does your cooling system costs more to operate and maintain, but its refrigerant is also difficult to pick up! That’s because the federal government has phased out the use of R22 in order to conserve energy and protect the environment. Sooner or later, you would have to replace your air conditioner that uses the new, more environment-friendly R410A. Therefore, if you’re having issues with your AC that involves R22 recharging, it may indicate your need for a new unit.

Excessive Noises

Any HVAC system creates some noise while running. But if it starts to be extra noisy, it’s perhaps time to call a technician to check the integrity of your air conditioner. If you hear different kinds of loud noises such as grinding, hissing, and popping while your AC is running, it could mean that there are problematic parts inside the system such as broken motor bearings, a slipped belt, or poorly lubricated parts.

Ask the Cooling Experts

If you’re looking for a new air conditioner, head on to Four Seasons Air Specialists. We’d love to sit down with you and know where you’re coming from. It’s our goal to address your home comfort issues and provide effective long-term solutions. We are your reliable Centerville AC installation company.