Winter is coming, but in our sunny state in Florida, that doesn’t mean the AC gets shut off! When the weather stays warm year-round, your home needs a dependable air conditioning unit to keep your home easy, breezy.
However, air conditioners only survive continual use for so long. Eventually, your AC unit will start giving you problems and costing you more than it’s worth in energy and repairs. In this article, our highly trained HVAC technicians at ACHV Services share five warning signs that it’s time to replace your AC unit.
- Costly Energy Bills
- Odors
- Strange Sounds
- High Humidity
- No Cool Air
AC Replacement Sign #1: Costly Energy Bills
The average monthly electricity bill in Florida sits at $126.44. Your energy bill, of course, relies on a variety of factors such as the size of your home and the number of people in your household. What’s important is that you pay attention to your utility costs every month so that you can catch any big red flags.
If your energy bill has suddenly skyrocketed even though your home is well-insulated, it might be time to call in ACHV Services for an inspection.
Other signs your HVAC has lost efficiency include:
- Age (AC units don’t last forever)
- Lukewarm air coming out of the vents
- A noisy unit
- Odor from the vents
While repairs may do the trick temporarily, it may prove more effective to invest in a complete AC system replacement. This could save you hundreds of dollars annually and make a significant impact during the summer months in particular. No more sweaty nights, sweltering days, or cash thrown out the window!
AC Replacement Sign #2: Your AC Smells Off
Unless you’re turning the heat on after months, which may cause a subtle temporary burnt odor, strange smells from your home are rarely a good sign. Your air conditioning is no exception. If you notice musty, smoky, or rotten scents when turning on your AC, the assault on your sense of smell is likely the least of your worries.
Pay attention for these smells and their possible causes:
- Car Exhaust – this may indicate a refrigerant line leak
- Fire or Smoke – an AC part may be hot or burning
- Rotten Eggs – a dead animal may be in your system
- Gas or Skunk – there could be a gas leak
- Moldy or Musty Smell – water may have accumulated in the drain pan or pipes
If you smell gas or smoke, contact our technicians immediately. Your house and health may be at serious risk.
ACHV Services serves all of the Tampa Bay community. Call (727) 453-2432 or (813) 917-2982 for emergency assistance.
AC Replacement Sign #3: Your AC Sounds Strange
Odd noises are another sign that something is not right. In general, the noisier your unit gets, the worse the problem is becoming. These signs may indicate the following problems:
- Banging – this points to loose parts within the compressor
- Screeching – the AC fan motor may be broken
- Humming – a contactor relay switch might be defective
- Buzzing – the AC fan blades could be unbalanced or loose
- Rattling – there could be a buildup of debris within the unit
- Clicking – the thermostat could be malfunctioning
Strange sounds don’t typically present as much danger as bad smells, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the issue. Some of the issues mentioned above may only require AC repair services, but in other cases, you may need a complete replacement.
In either case, the sooner you contact a licensed HVAC technician, the better.
AC Replacement Sign #4: Your Home Has High Levels of Humidity or Moisture
When your air conditioner is functioning correctly and your doors and windows are closed, your AC should maintain your humidity levels at a comfortable level by removing excess moisture.
If your AC is turned on, but you are dealing with high humidity levels, it may be due to frozen evaporator coils.
Check the evaporator coils to see if there is a sheet of ice coating them. If so, turn off your AC unit to let the ice melt and call ACHV Services to get a technician to your home ASAP. We will likely refill your refrigerant, clean your system, and inspect for any other issues.
AC Replacement Sign #5: It’s Hot and Stuffy
The most obvious sign that something is wrong with your air conditioning is a lack of cool air. In many cases, this is due to low refrigerant. Modern AC units should never need refrigerant during their lifetime, so if it’s low, that’s a sign that there is likely a leak.
Other causes of stagnant air or warm air may be:
- Dirty air filter
- Dirty evaporator coil
- Clogged registers
- Thermostat damage
If it’s hot in your home when your AC is on, the best course of action is to contact professionals who can properly diagnose the issue.
Cool Down with ACHV Services
If you’re noticing problems with your air conditioning, it’s always best to address your concerns as soon as possible with experts. Whether you need HVAC installation, maintenance, or repair, you can trust that our team at ACHV Services will find the best solutions so you can cool down and save money in the long run.
Your air quality is essential for your health, so make it a priority! We’ll take care of the hard stuff – you just need to make the call. Reach out at (727) 453-2432 or (813) 917-2982 for a no-hassle AC service quote.
