While air conditioning systems do have a long lifespan, like all appliances, there will come a day when the AC will need to be replaced. No homeowner wants to be trapped inside a house on a hot California day with no working AC. Spoor's Heating & Air Conditioning is here to teach you about some common warning signs that your AC unit might be near the end of its days.
At Spoor's Heating & Air Conditioning, our experienced HVAC technicians help deliver efficient air conditioning services to keep you and your family comfortable in your own home. So if you see any of these signs around the house, schedule AC service right away.
Making Strange Noises
Typically, air conditioning systems are pretty quiet, so any sudden, new noises can be startling and concerning. Any noises like rattling, whirring, or any louder-than-normal humming may mean that there are some more significant issues at hand. The normal humming of the AC unit can change to a ticking sound, which can indicate the compressor is struggling to turn on and off. This ticking sound is a sign of a much larger problem of the electrical relay failing.
Getting Old
When buying a new home, the HVAC system might be the last item on the mind of a potential homebuyer. Many AC units have a pretty long lifespan, so a homebuyer might not think much of it until it malfunctions. Air conditioners that are used moderately have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. When the system reaches about 10 years old, we recommend starting to look for a newer, more efficient model. Any system that is over 15 years old should be replaced instead of repaired.
Raising The Cost Of Energy Bills
An AC unit is made of interlinking systems, so it can cause a domino effect of other issues if there is an unresolved AC problem. For example, if your energy bills have been increasing with no change to your daily routine or lifestyle, it could mean that the AC unit is working itself to death. However, newer models of AC units can bring the cost of energy bills to a more reasonable level.
AC Compressor Is Not Turning On
If the AC compressor isn't turning on, it is an obvious sign that there is a more significant problem with the system's electrical relays. This is commonly caused by a broken valve or when liquid refrigerant gets into the compressor inlet. When the clutch activates and the compressor is switched on, there is usually a click, but if this click doesn't happen it could mean that the relay has failed and that it isn't getting any power.
Runs All Day
One of the first signs homeowners recognize as an air conditioner malfunction is the unit running all day, nonstop. If there are any issues with the contactor, the indoor unit can freeze up, and the outdoor unit will continue to run. An HVAC system that runs all day can cause the motor to burn out too quickly, leading to an early demise.
Not Producing Cold Air
If the AC unit isn't producing cold air, this is yet another sign that the relay has potentially failed. When a relay fails, the compressor will not operate, and the AC system will no longer produce any cold air. The AC compressor is powered by the relay, so when the relay begins to fail, it may give weak or intermittent power to the compressor, causing a weakened function of the AC. A failed relay is one of the most common reasons your AC may not produce cold air.
Costing Too Much
When it comes to AC repairs, there comes a time when the cost of making repairs outweighs what it would cost to replace the system altogether. A common test in deciding whether the repairs are worth it is the "5,000 rule." Simply multiply the repair cost by the age of the unit. If this number is more than $5,000, the system should be replaced altogether. If you are making constant calls to an AC company, it may be better to invest in a new AC unit that comes with a warranty.
Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
A circuit breaker's job is to protect homes from potential fire hazards, so if these breakers keep tripping and the homeowner has to keep resetting them, it might be putting the home at risk of fires. For example, if the outside AC unit keeps losing power or if the compressor overheats from drawing too much power, the breaker could trip. Keep in mind that this is a problem with the compressor rather than the circuit itself.
Refrigerant Is Leaking
If you begin to notice puddles of water around the air conditioner, no matter how big or small, there could be a problem with the AC unit's refrigerant. If the refrigerant is leaking from the air conditioning unit, there will be warm air blowing through your vents, giving the home an uncomfortable feeling. The compressor will eventually shut down because the chemicals it needs to create cold air have run out.
Unit Vibrates When It Starts Up
If the AC unit is vibrating as it starts up, it may just need a tune-up or a cleaning, but a mechanical problem can also cause these vibrations. For example, a fan motor or a compressor might not be working correctly and may have to be replaced, or the blower wheel or motor fan blade may be out of balance.