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4 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

HVAC system outside in the summer

Is your air conditioner causing you trouble? It could be time to replace it. If you notice one or more of these signs, your air conditioner may be on its last leg. It may not be worth it to continue to repair a unit that keeps breaking down.

1. Your A/C is Constantly Breaking Down

If your air conditioner is frequently breaking, it may be time to replace it. Over time, your A/C unit may have slowed. Even if you have practiced proper maintenance, after about 10 or so years, most air conditioners will start to show their age. If you’re needing to do constant repairs on your unit, it may be time to put it to rest.

2. Your Energy Bills are Increasing

As an A/C unit gets older, it loses efficiency. The less efficient your A/C is the higher your energy bills will be. Do you know what your unit’s SEER rating is? SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency rating—the higher the rating, the more energy efficient your air conditioner is. If your air conditioner is quite a bit older, it is more likely to have a lower  SEER rating. A lower seer rating on an aging unit likely means you are spending more to cool your home. If your A/C is old, has a low SEER rating, and your energy bills are on the rise, a replacement A/C unit would be a wise investment.

3. Your Home Recently Expanded

Have you recently added on to your house? Or done any extensive remodeling? Remodeling your home can affect the size of air conditioner you need. Anything that has changed your home’s layout can change the ventilation and airflow you need in your home. Having the wrong size of A/C for your house can wear it down quickly. An A/C that’s too small will be overworked trying to cool and ventilate the entire house, whereas an A/C that is too large will short cycle—both of these situations will shorten the unit’s lifespan. The experts at Black Diamond Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air can help you to determine what size A/C unit is right for your house.

4. Your Home Has Been Fluctuating in Humidity Levels

Your air conditioner should make the air feel cool and fresh as it circulates throughout your home. If your home is feeling humid and stuffy, your A/C may not be doing its job. Signs of humidity include a muggy feeling, excessive moisture around windows, and mold growth. If you notice any of these signs, the problem could be with your air conditioner.

It could be that your air conditioner just needs repairing. Choosing to repair or replace can be a tricky decision. Consider how old your unit is, most don’t last longer than 10 years without problems. You should also consider the cost of repair. If the repair is costly, it may make more sense to put that money into a new air conditioner instead of constantly throwing money at repairs only to it breaks down again.

If you have any questions or concerns about your air conditioner, contact the friendly HVAC technicians at Black Diamond Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air.

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