When it comes to your air conditioning, there’s no need to wait until it quits working to upgrade. After all, you don’t want to be without air conditioning in our area, with an average summer temperature of 102°F!
Regularly monitoring your system’s performance and making necessary upgrades will keep your home comfortable all year long. Here are eight signs that it’s time for new AC installation in Tucson, AZ:
1. Temperature Fluctuations
The temperature in your home will naturally fluctuate throughout the day, and the temperature outside is also a factor. However, your air conditioner should achieve even air distribution throughout your home.
So, if one side is cool and comfortable while the other is hot and uncomfortable, you have a problem.
It could be a clog in your ductwork, or your system is wearing out. These fluctuations can cause your AC unit to work overtime and wear out faster. It can also lead to higher energy bills.
2. Energy Cost Increase
A failing air conditioner is one of the leading causes of increased energy bills in the summertime.
When an AC unit isn’t working correctly, it makes the home less comfortable and causes the unit to work harder and use more energy. This can lead to a substantial increase in monthly electricity costs.
There are a few things homeowners can do to help reduce energy costs when their AC unit isn’t working right, including:
- Cooling down the home as much as possible using fans and open windows at night
- Setting the thermostat to a slightly higher temperature
- Contacting an HVAC technician to diagnose the problem with the AC unit
3. New Noises
If your air conditioner starts making troublesome sounds, it could be a sign it’s failing. When an AC unit starts to wear out, it can cause all sorts of new noises.
Some of the most common ones are rattling, humming, and screeching. These new noises come from loose parts, broken cooling coils, or the motor itself.
4. Unfamiliar Odors
When an air conditioner isn’t operating right, new and unpleasant smells often come from it:
- Faint Sweet Chemical – A Freon leak causes this smell.
- Mildew or Mold – If your AC unit starts to smell like mildew or mold, it may be because of water damage or improper drainage.
- Burning Rubber – A burning rubber smell is often a sign of a motor failure.
- Electrical Burning – This smell could be due to a short circuit in the wiring.
Since odd air conditioning smells can mean danger, it’s essential to call a Certified Service Technician as soon as possible.
5. Circuit Breakers Tripping
When an AC unit starts to fail, it draws more power than the circuit breaker can handle. This can cause the breaker to trip, which shuts off power to the entire circuit.
This safety precaution prevents further damage to your home’s wiring and electrical components.
6. Environmental Responsibility
Replacing an old AC unit with a new, more energy-efficient model can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy bills.
According to the US Department of Energy, a new high-efficiency AC unit can save you up to 30% on your cooling costs. A high-efficiency AC unit also produces fewer emissions than a standard model, making it better for the environment.
7. Needing Frequent Repairs
It’s not always easy to tell when you need a new air conditioning unit. Sometimes, it seems like your AC constantly needs repairs.
As an air conditioner ages, it becomes less efficient and needs to work harder to maintain the same temperature in your home. To prevent this, you may consider upgrading to a higher-efficiency model.
8. AC Unit Is Over 10 Years Old
If your AC unit is over ten years old, it’s probably time for a new one. They usually last between 10 and 15 years.
Consider how often you use your AC. If you only run it periodically, an older unit might still be all right. If you use it all summer, it’s probably time for something new.
What to Do Next
If you’re having trouble with any of the symptoms above, it may be time to upgrade your AC. Remember that a new, more efficient model will save you money each month in energy costs while keeping your home cool and comfortable.
Contact Picture Rocks Cooling Heating & Plumbing today to schedule an appointment with our professionals.