Have you ever heard the old saying, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it”?
While that can apply to many things, spending a few days in the blistering heat of summer can be your reward for following that wisdom when it comes to doing preventive maintenance your hvac unit. Today, we are going to discuss 5 warning signs that your unit may be on its’ last leg and ready to retire.
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It Sounds Like World War 3 Whenever it Turns On
From inside your home you may not notice the banging and clanging of you’re a/c unit but, at least every few months you should make a point to stand outside while it is turning on so that you can listen for and whining, grinding, and otherwise unusual noises. The inside of your unit contains several small parts that need to work together smoothly. Misalignment and worn bearings can spell disaster in short order. While you can’t fully diagnose your hvac system by listening, it can help you spot major problems before you are left without.
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Reduced Air Flow in Your Home
Your hvac systems contains compressors which are responsible for “forcing” air through the vents into your home. If you notice that the air pressure coming out of your vents has dropped dramatically or seems to be non-existent, that could be a sign that your system is in need of repair. In addition to compressor issues, you could also have a problem with your duct work. A certified hvac installer will be able to inspect both and let you know the steps needed to get your system working like new.
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Strong Air Flow but Not Cooling Your Home
Your central air unit uses compressed gas to cool the air that will be pumped into your home. If you unit kicks on and you can feel air coming from your vents but your home isn’t getting any cooler, it may be time for a refill. Place your hand over a few vents in your home and see if the air is cool. If not, schedule a service call and let a trained technician inspect and re-charge your system.
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Your Unit Stills Uses R-22 Freon
R-22 Freon is being replaced by R410A (Puron) nationally. As a result, the cost of R-22 Freon is rising. In addition, Puron is actually more efficient at cooling than its’ predecessor Freon. As of 2010, all newly manufactured a/c units must use Puron. If you are holding on to the old system and it is in need of costly repairs, now is the time to change.
5. Your Utility Bills are Sky High (or Rising!)
According to Breckinridge, a Louisville air conditioning installation and repair service, one sign that your hvac system needs an update is rising energy bills. If your cooling electric bill is noticeably higher than it was last summer, that could be a sign. Fortunately, tax rebates are available for energy efficient upgrades to your home. You could get a new a/c unit, replace some old windows, and improve your homes’ insulation and get tax credits for doing so. The credits coupled with your monthly utility bill savings will add up in not time.
If your hvac system is over 10 years old, hasn’t been inspected recently, or is exhibiting any of the issues discussed above, now is the time to call out a service tech to at least inspect your unit. Doing so before there is an issue can save you big on repair costs once it does break.
