How Do I Know My Air Conditioner is too old: 5 Common Signs

Air conditioners are built to last for a very long time, more than 20 years to be precise, given you provide them with regular air conditioner maintenance. However, not all homeowners do. Years of neglecting air conditioner maintenance can take a toll until one day you become sick of having to call a technician several times a month to fix the issue that doesn’t seem to go away no matter how much you pay. The question you have to ask then is whether your air conditioner is too old for this.

If you’re thinking about replacing your old air conditioner, we’ll give you some advice on how you can recognize an air conditioner that’s earned its retirement.

It’s Too Noisy

It’s normal to hear the AC running quietly when you listen closely. But you shouldn’t hear your air conditioner when it’s powering up or throughout the cycle. However, the air conditioner may give off a loud rumbling or clanking sound when it’s running. This could indicate that there is an issue with the cooling coils or that its size is inadequate for your home. It could also mean your AC is getting too old. Since there are more issues that can cause noise, you should contact a licensed technician to inspect it before rushing off to buy a replacement.

Increased Humidity

Air conditioners are not only in charge of regulating the temperature inside your home but the humidity levels as well. Your air conditioner should make sure you breathe in clean air that’s neither too humid nor too dry. If you feel the air is too humid this summer, your air conditioner may not be able to pull moisture from the air. There could be a leak in the ducts or an issue with installation. However, if this issue is something you haven’t faced before, chances are your air conditioner is getting old.

Constantly Running

There are several factors that determine how often your air conditioner runs: how you set the thermostat, weather and outdoor temperature, sun exposure and more. It’s not uncommon for an air conditioner to run throughout the day during hot months. But if you feel your air conditioner is constantly running, that could indicate a larger issue. This could have something to do with the size of the ducts or indicate an issue with the thermostat. But it could also mean your AC is getting too old to cool your home efficiently.

Frequent Breakdowns

The parts in an old air conditioner are more likely to wear out and break down more often. If you have to call a technician at least once every three months you should consider replacing it instead. Sometimes repairing the AC seems cheaper, but replacing it turns out to be more economical in the long run. Consider how much you spend on repairing the AC and compare that to the price of a new air conditioner.

Higher Energy Bills

If you’ve faced any of the other issues on this list, you’ve likely experienced this one as well. Sometimes homeowners don’t realize why their energy bill is so much higher. Any experienced technician, however, will be able to guarantee it’s the air conditioner after one look. Old air conditioners work harder to maintain the desired temperature, meaning they’ll consume more energy in the process. So if there’s a significant spike in your bill, see how much your AC is spending.

Kristina Bell

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