Your typical air conditioner will last about 15 to 20 years, on average, depending on how well you take care of it. If it’s near the end of its life, however, you may start to see signs your AC unit is going out of commission.
Keep an eye out for the signs below so that you can call an air conditioning professional to schedule a replacement when the time comes. You could also contact Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating for premium AC services in Desoto, TX!
Weak Airflow
Low airflow is a major sign your air conditioner is failing. Most of the time, airflow weakens because you have a clogged filter.
It could also be because a crucial component in your unit, like the fan motor, has gone wrong. A broken fan motor might make unusual noises, like scraping or grinding.
No Cold Air
A lack of cold air is usually caused by compressor issues or a refrigerant leak. Without the compressor or refrigerant fluid, your air conditioner can’t make cold air. In this case, it just ends up circulating the warm air it draws from outside.
Unfortunately, warm air also has high humidity. If your unit isn’t cooling, indoor moisture levels might increase. Compressor malfunctions also trap your air conditioner in a frequent cycling loop, which wears it down faster.
Bad Smells
Foul odors coming from your Desoto air conditioner’s vents could be a sign of two things – growths or fires.
If it’s a musty or sour smell, you may have mold or algae growing inside your air conditioning ducts. Sometimes, you can clean and remove mold, but if it’s a recurring problem, your system might not be regulating indoor humidity as it should. You’ll need a new one.
A burning smell, on the other hand, indicates an electrical or wiring failure. It’s dangerous and can cause fires, so call a professional if you smell burning or smoke in the vents.
High Energy Bills
Another one of the common signs your AC unit is going out is a higher energy bill. Air conditioner units have to work a lot harder as they age to provide the same performance. The end result of an ailing unit is that your energy bills start to skyrocket without the unit’s performance changing.
Regular maintenance tuneups can optimize your cooling system. Still, after a certain point, energy costs will keep climbing and won’t come back down, and you’ll need a replacement air conditioner.
Frequent Repairs
Another sign your air conditioning unit is on its way out is frequent breakdowns. Aging systems can’t handle the constant performance.
If you have hit the point of calling a professional for air conditioning repairs every few months, get a new system.
Extending Your Air Conditioner’s Lifespan
You can avoid these signs your AC unit is going out if you take good care of the system and help cool your home for longer.
Below are some tips to keep your air conditioner working in top condition for as long as possible.
- Make sure you replace your air filter at least once every three to six months. Dirty air filters restrict airflow and can increase the strain on your system.
- Upgrade your home’s insulation. Insulation regulates your home’s temperature, so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool.
- Schedule regular maintenance at least once per year. During maintenance, a technician will clean and test your cooling system and inspect its components.
- Keep the space around the outdoor unit clean. Cut at least a foot of clearance between the grass and the bottom of the unit. Ensure you pick up leaves and sticks that can block intake vents, too.
In our experience, following these tips could extend your cooling system’s lifespan by an additional five to seven years.
When Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner in Desoto, Texas?
As a general rule of thumb, you should replace your air conditioning once repair costs rise to 50% of what it costs for a new unit. Air conditioning replacement will cost more upfront than repairs, but you will save more money in the long term with fewer maintenance and repair costs.
Modern air conditioners are also much more energy-efficient. Thanks to these upgrades, running a new unit can cost significantly less.
Your Trusted Desoto HVAC Experts
Is your AC not working, or do you see signs your AC unit is going out? Contact Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating online or call today to schedule an appointment in Desoto, Texas!
