Your air conditioner is probably working over time with the summer weather. The last thing you want is to have your cooling system go out during the middle of a heat wave. But, like every other appliance in your home, your air conditioner has a lifespan. You may not know your air conditioner is about to go out until it actually does. Luckily for you, your air conditioner actually provides you a few crucial warning signs that it is nearing the end of its life span.
To avoid feeling stranded in the summer heat, look for these six signs indicating your air conditioner needs to be replaced:
Age
Most units last approximately 10-15 years with regular air conditioning repair in Grand Junction, CO. You may want to schedule annual maintenance checks once your AC nears the decade mark. Most warranties are void after 10 years, so it is best to start looking for a replacement after you pass this point. You don’t want to be left sweating when your dated air conditioning unit goes out.
No cool air
Does it seem like your air conditioner isn’t producing any cool air? Is the air not as cold as it used to be even though cranked to the highest setting? This may mean that it’s time to purchase a new A/C. Lack of cool air may be an indicator that your system’s compressor isn’t performing like it used to or that your Freon levels are too low. A qualified air conditioning specialist can advise you on whether it’s better to schedule a repair or invest in a new unit.
Too many repairs
Expensive repairs can add up quickly. You’ll want to consider the costs of air conditioning repair in Grand Junction, CO before you continue to shell out the cash. If the cost of the repair is more than half of the price of a new unit, you may want to make the financially sound decision to invest in an updated model.
Inefficient
You may be paying for your inefficient air conditioning unit on your monthly energy bill. Upgrading to a new, energy efficient unit will help you cut down on your energy costs. New units are required to have a minimum rating of 13 by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Most professionals recommend purchasing a new model if your current air conditioner falls below that rating.
Strange sounds
Is your air conditioner making strange grinding or squealing sounds? Does it sound like it’s straining to produce cool air? Unidentified noise may indicate that something is wrong inside of the air conditioner. A grinding sound may be a sign that your motor bearings are broken, while squealing could indicate a belt has slipped out of place or a metal component needs a bit more lubrication. While not every sound means it’s the end for your unit, it can signal bigger problems. It’s best to leave the guesswork to the professionals to avoid being stuck in the heat.