Air conditioners are essential to keeping homes cool and comfortable during hot weather. However, they are not immune to wear and tear and will need to be repaired and eventually replaced over their lifetime. If you are experiencing issues with your AC, use the signs below to determine if your air conditioner needs repair or replacement.

Pre-Summer AC Tune-Up

5 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair

In most cases, you can repair your air conditioning unit rather than replace it if you are experiencing any of the following problems.

1.Warm Air Coming From Your AC

Warm air coming from your AC vents is not immediately a cause for replacement. There are many different reasons for this and potential solutions. You may have a faulty thermostat that, although set to the correct temperature, is not transmitting that temperature to your AC. There could also be a compressor issue or restricted airflow causing the warm air.

2.AC Unit Leaking Refrigerant

If your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, it is typically an easy issue to fix. You may notice pooling water or ice built up on the refrigerant lines. A refrigerant leak can also be responsible if your AC is short cycling, or constantly turning on and off. Contact an HVAC technician such as The AC Guy to fix the refrigerant leak and recharge your AC system to get it working correctly again.

3.Air Conditioner Constantly Running

You may not need to completely replace an AC that runs constantly. There are quite a few reasons for this, and most are repairable. Your air conditioner may always be on if you have a dirty air filter, a malfunctioning thermostat, dirty coils, ductwork that restricts airflow, or low refrigerant levels. Troubleshoot these potential reasons your AC constantly runs before buying a new unit.

4.Unusual Noises Coming From AC

In normal situations, an air conditioner should not make too much noise. If you hear any loud, buzzing, rattling, or other unusual noises, contact an HVAC repair professional from The AC Guy. Usually, these noises are caused by a part that is loose, damaged, or dirty. Replacing or cleaning the part will stop the noise from happening.

5.Insufficient Airflow

If it feels like there needs to be more airflow coming from your AC vents, there are a few things you should check out before jumping to any conclusions about replacing your unit. First, check to make sure your air ducts aren’t blocked or clogged with anything. If that isn’t the problem, have an HVAC professional from The AC Guy check that the motor and blower are working properly.

Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Replacement

If any of the following AC situations ring true, it is likely time for an air conditioning unit replacement.

Your Energy Bills Are Constantly Increasing

Your energy bills will indeed be higher during certain seasons, and the cost of energy sources like natural gas and electricity is on the rise according to the International Energy Agency. However, with these two factors in mind, you should still be able to estimate your energy bill based on past costs. If you consistently get bills that are higher than what you expect, this could be a sign that it’s time to replace your central air unit. Efficiency will decline as an AC gets older. A newer unit will run more efficiently, and you will likely end up saving money on your utility costs.

Your AC Unit Is No Longer Performing as Expected

Assuming you keep up with regular HVAC maintenance and annual tune-ups, your AC should perform well and produce the cool air you need. However, if your thermostat is set to a specific temperature and your AC unit never seems to reach it, a replacement air conditioner may be warranted. As air conditioners age, they will operate less efficiently and may struggle to keep up with cooling demands. If, after you have had a technician look at your unit, a specific problem cannot be determined, it may simply be time for a replacement unit with a better cooling capacity.

The Cost of Repairs Nears or Exceeds the Cost of Replacement

Repairing an AC is usually costly—sometimes, it may even exceed the cost of a total replacement. As the units age, it can be more challenging to work with them or find replacement parts. Even if the cost is not in the thousands, you will want to consider how often you spend money to repair the unit because that money adds up over time. It’s helpful to rely on a simple equation to determine if repair is a better choice than replacing an air conditioning unit. Take the estimated repair cost and multiply it by the age of the unit. If that amount exceeds the cost of a new unit, it is worth it to go all out for the replacement.

Your AC Unit Is Older Than Its Life Expectancy

There is no logic in repairing air conditioners that are past their expected lifespan. Just as it does not make financial sense to fix an old car that keeps breaking down, spending money on an aged AC unit is like throwing money down the drain. If your AC is older than 15 to 20 years, it is wise to buy a new air conditioner rather than fixing it. The AC Guy professionals can lead you through this process, so give us a call today.

Your Air Conditioner Poses Safety Risks

You never want to mess around with safety as a homeowner. If an HVAC service technician tells you that your AC unit is producing carbon monoxide or is a fire hazard, replacing the unit is necessary. It is always better safe than sorry. Keep your household safe by replacing an air conditioning unit that poses any safety risk. Also, consider if your air conditioner could be an environmental hazard. Older AC units often use R-22 Freon refrigerant, which is now a banned chemical as it depletes the ozone layer.

Know When to Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner

The decision to repair or replace your air conditioner ultimately depends on the cause of your AC problem and the extent of the damage. Use these two factors to help make your decision.

Determine Cause

The cause of your AC issue is going to help determine the direction of repair or replacement. If there is a simple reason, such as a faulty thermostat or clogged ductwork, causing your AC to not work properly, there is a good chance you can simply make the necessary repairs. More complicated problems, like an underperforming unit or broken motor, will likely push you toward a complete replacement.

Evaluate Extent of Damage

Evaluate the extent of the damage as it relates to the cost of repairs and the age of your unit. If the repair requires a small part to be replaced and your unit is still within its expected lifespan, it may be a no-brainer to complete the repair. If the repair requires a large, costly part to be replaced or if your AC is over 15 years old, you should strongly consider replacing it altogether.

Local Case Study: Successful AC Replacement for the Johnson Family in The Woodlands

The Johnson family from The Woodlands faced a common dilemma: their 15-year-old air conditioning unit was no longer keeping their home cool and was causing their energy bills to skyrocket. They needed to decide whether to repair their aging system or replace it with a more efficient model. Seeking a cost-effective solution that would provide long-term benefits, they turned to The AC Guy for professional advice.

The AC Guy conducted a thorough evaluation of the Johnsons' old unit and recommended replacing it with a high-efficiency, Energy Star-certified model. The new unit promised better cooling performance and lower energy consumption, addressing both comfort and cost concerns. The installation team worked efficiently to replace the old unit, promising minimal disruption to the household. After installation, the new system was rigorously tested to confirm optimal performance.

The results were immediate and impressive. The Johnson family experienced consistent cooling throughout their home, even during the hottest days. Moreover, the new high-efficiency unit reduced their monthly energy bills by 20%, providing significant cost savings. The Johnsons were highly satisfied with the professional service and the improved comfort of their home. "The AC Guy made the whole process easy. Our home is cooler, and our energy bills are lower. Highly recommend!" said the Johnson family.

This case study highlights the importance of professional guidance in making the decision to repair or replace an air conditioning unit. For expert AC repair or replacement services in The Woodlands, contact The AC Guy today.

When to Call a Professional

In any case, the input of a professional is crucial in determining whether to repair or replace your AC unit. Unless your problem is as simple as replacing an air filter, you should consult an HVAC technician, like The AC Guy, for help. A professional can give you extensive details on the problem with your unit and even help you evaluate if a repair or replacement is a better idea.

It’s important to research and read reviews when hiring an HVAC company to repair or replace your AC unit. While some companies may suggest a complete replacement, even if your unit only has a minor issue, a reputable company will provide an honest assessment and recommend the most appropriate course of action.

Call The AC Guy Today for Expert Advice and AC Services

With years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, our team at The AC Guy provides reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're dealing with minor repairs or considering a complete system replacement, our professionals will offer honest assessments and top-notch service, guaranteeing that your home remains cool and comfortable year-round.

You can trust The AC Guy to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. Call us at 281-764-9038 today!