The hottest temperature on record in Boise, ID, was 111°F, but even average summer heat makes a reliable air conditioner important for staying cool in the Treasure Valley region. If your current air conditioner isn’t performing as it should, it might be on its last legs. The team at Express Plumbing, Heating, and Air has a list of seven signs your AC is going out to help you determine whether it’s time for a full air conditioner replacement.
When To Replace Your Air Conditioner
It’s not always easy to know exactly when to replace your air conditioner. There are some significant indicators of how to know if your AC is dying. The experienced team at Express can help you determine if you need a full AC replacement.
7 Warning Signs Your AC Is Near the End
These seven signs you need a new AC unit are a good starting point to consider if your current air conditioner isn’t performing optimally.
1. Your energy bills keep rising
If you notice that your energy bills get higher every month, but your AC usage hasn’t changed, you could be dealing with one of the most common aging AC symptoms. Older systems lose efficiency over time, which means you’ll pay more money for cooling-related energy costs. A higher or longer AC runtime uses more electricity, resulting in higher-than-normal energy bills.
2. Uneven or inconsistent cooling
Your air conditioner should produce even, consistent cooling throughout your home. However, if some rooms are too warm while others are too cold, you may be dealing with a common air conditioner end-of-life sign. Inconsistent or uneven cooling is often caused by failing components or poor airflow, which may indicate you need an upgrade.
3. Your AC blows warm or weak air
If your AC is not cooling like it used to, or the AC is blowing warm air or weak air, it’s a sign of several potential problems. This issue could signal compressor failure, a refrigerant leak, or something as simple as a clogged air filter. However, if the problem is major, short-term fixes might not be enough to get the consistent comfort you need.
4. Frequent repairs or system breakdowns
Paying for frequent repairs and dealing with system breakdowns isn’t just stressful — it’s also expensive. If your repair costs start to exceed 50% of the replacement cost for a new AC, it’s time to upgrade. Most temporary “band-aid” fixes lead to more recurring issues later, costing you even more money.
5. Strange noises or odors from the unit
Not all noises coming from your AC mean it’s dying. However, loud and unusual grinding or screeching sounds often indicate serious internal damage lurking under the surface. Burning smells are another red flag to look for if you’re concerned about your AC, and delaying service can result in full system failure.
6. Your AC is more than 10 to 15 years old
The average service life of a central air conditioner is between 10 and 15 years, or slightly longer if it’s well maintained. However, even with regular maintenance, most systems only last between 12 and 15 years. Older, outdated models lack energy efficiency and updated refrigerants, so it can’t hurt to upgrade if your current AC is reaching maturity.
7. Short cycling or constant running
Short cycling occurs when your AC turns on and off too fast before the indoor temperature is reached. These rapid start-stop cycles wear down important components faster, causing premature failure. If your AC is short-cycling or constantly running without turning off, it’s often a sign of either an improperly sized unit or a failing unit.
The Hidden Cost of Holding On to an Old AC
You might be tempted to hold onto your older AC. However, there are costs of doing so, including:
- An old, faulty air conditioner leads to higher utility bills over time.
- You’ll end up making more frequent service calls and paying for expensive emergency repairs.
- Older AC units pose a variety of issues, like reduced indoor comfort and lower indoor air quality.
Benefits of Booking With Express Plumbing
There are many benefits to booking your AC replacement with Express Plumbing, Heating, and Air, including:
- Our team: The HVAC professionals at Express are fully licensed, highly skilled, and have years of industry experience.
- Our honesty: At Express, you’ll always get honest diagnostics, and we’ll tell you the truth about whether your AC is worth repairing or not.
- Our pricing: You’ll get upfront, transparent quotes with no hidden fees, and we make sure you know the most affordable and best energy-efficient upgrade options available to you.
- Our easy financing: Express has flexible financing options available for new AC systems to help you pay for your upgrade.
- Our customer service: Express is local, trusted, and family-owned, and we’re backed by over 1,000 5-star customer reviews.
Contact Express for Your AC Upgrade
If your AC runs constantly but doesn’t cool, your energy bills are higher than they should be, or you’re experiencing other warning signs, Express Plumbing, Heating, and Air is available to help. We proudly serve customers in Boise and throughout the Treasure Valley area. Contact us today to schedule an AC upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I repair or replace my old AC system?
If your AC system is 10 to 15 years old or older, or if it’s costing you 50% or more of the cost of an upgrade to repair it, we recommend that you replace your older air conditioning system with a newer, more energy-efficient model.
What does it mean if my AC is blowing warm air?
If your AC is blowing warm air, it could be due to a dirty air filter, a refrigerant leak, electrical issues, or a faulty compressor. These issues require help from an experienced HVAC technician right away.
Are strange noises a sign that my AC is dying?
Not all strange noises are a sign that your AC is dying. However, if you notice extremely loud grinding, screeching, or rattling sounds coming from the unit, contact an HVAC pro as soon as possible.
