Being a homeowner comes with its fair share of responsibilities. Keeping up with repairs, renovations, and replacing fixtures & fittings could be quite a daunting task for many. 

One of the essential parts of your home that you need to maintain regularly is your AC unit. If you find yourself in a situation where your air conditioning unit keeps malfunctioning or isn't performing as it should be, it might be worthwhile to investigate why. However, it can be a bit difficult for the average person to identify the issue given the complex designs of AC units. 

If your AC has run the course of its life, it might even break down without any prior indication. In such cases, it may be more economical to invest in a brand new unit rather than paying for regular and extensive air conditioning repair work.

Still, it pays to have a heads up that your current AC unit may be nearing the end of its life, so you can make ample preparations to have it replaced. Here's a list of some of the telltale signs that you might have to replace your AC soon.

The Unit Is More Than 10 Years Old

The life expectancy of your AC unit is dependent on several different factors. Units exposed to direct sunlight and extreme temperatures will need to work harder to produce optimal results, resulting in relatively higher wear and tear. If the unit has not been appropriately maintained with annual service cycles, it may have aged quicker than usual. 

If the unit has been used for extended periods without any breaks, this could affect the overall health of your AC as well, meaning that it may live out its useful years quicker than usual. 

Typically, a well-maintained AC is expected to last around ten years before it starts exhibiting problematic behavior. If your AC is older than ten years, then you should start looking for viable replacements just in case it starts to stutter.

Your Energy Bill Is Increasing

If your energy usage has been consistent at the same level, but you notice that your energy bill is coming in drastically higher than usual, your AC unit might be the reason why. This happens when an AC starts to lose efficiency and has to work harder to maintain your desired room temperature. If your energy bills are skyrocketing and there are no other reasons why it might be happening, you should consider investing in a new AC unit.

Unit Is Emitting Bad Odors

When it’s operating normally, your AC unit effectively eliminates any water or other liquids discharged by it into a drain. However, if your AC is already malfunctioning, it can result in inadequate or inappropriate draining of any excess liquids from within itself while running. In addition, the buildup of moisture is quite unhygienic and emits a terrible odor every time the unit is turned on. 

The Unit Is Leaking

The effectiveness of your AC will be seriously compromised if it is suffering from any leaks. One way to identify any such leaks is by checking if any pools of water or other liquids have gathered around your AC unit. 

If this is a Freon leak, it could be a big health risk for you and your family. Even if it's a simple water leak, it can still be quite devastating as it could ruin your floor and furniture.

If you suspect that your AC unit is suffering any of the issues mentioned above, your best course of action should be to scout for a new one. To help you with this, our experienced team at Heat Mechanical Cooling & Heating can help. Contact us at 972-937-0697 for a consultation regarding the best new air conditioning installation options available to you today.