Having an HVAC during the hot Australian summer is almost considered essential, wouldn’t you agree? When it’s unbearably hot, you can rely on your good old air conditioner to cool you down. However, nothing is built to last forever in this world, and your air conditioning system might give way eventually, forcing you to repair or replace it. If your air conditioning system breaks, there are some signs that something is wrong, but how do you know for sure it needs replacing? Here are some signs that your air conditioning system might be out.
Understanding How Air Conditioning Systems Deteriorate
Your air conditioning system deteriorates for several reasons, including old age or mismanagement of the air conditioning system. Some common issues that lead to your air conditioning system getting damaged are dust and debris buildup, rust, worn-out components, and leaks. Likewise, the more you run your AC, the filters can get clogged, or corrosion can build up on the coils, which could reduce its efficiency and lead to higher energy consumption.
What Are the Signs Your AC May Need Replacing?
For those who are worried your air conditioning system is about to fail, here are a few signs that this might just be the case:
It’s Really Old
In general, most aircon only has a lifespan of about 10 years. However, if it’s constantly sucking in the air full of dust, dirt and debris and isn’t cleaned regularly, the chances are that it might break sooner because the excess dirt might clog the filter and put more strain on the system. That said, the longer you have your AC, the more likely it is to pack up eventually.
It No Longer Operates Efficiently
When the air conditioning system no longer operates as effectively as it did when you installed it, this is a sign that it’s on its way out. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to replace it instantly. It could simply mean that your AC has a leak, a clogged filter, or debris caught in it. In order to fix these issues, they would simply need to be fixed by a technician. However, if you fix these issues and the AC still doesn’t operate properly, then there may be something more serious wrong with it. In this case, replacing it would be your best move.
A Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat on your air conditioner controls the temperature that your air conditioner gives out. When the thermostat is faulty, your air conditioning system might overheat, limiting your ability to change the temperature or sticking the AC to the last temperature you set it to. For some air conditioner brands, you can simply change the thermostat. For other brands, it might be worth buying a new AC because of the price of repairs.
Higher Energy Consumption
Air conditioners already increase your electricity fees when you use them consistently. Thankfully, due to many breakthroughs in the industry, most ACs have become considerably more energy-efficient. That said, if you notice your energy bills sky-rocketing and it isn’t because your AC has been running for 8 hours straight a day, then the chances are that there may be something wrong that’s causing it to use more power. As soon as your AC has to work harder to cool or heat your home or business, it will use more electricity. To fix the issue you would need to have it inspected to find the cause or have it replaced.
Strange Sounds Coming From the AC
Modern air conditioning units are ideally designed to be completely silent while they run. So, as soon as you start to hear strange sounds from your air conditioner, it’s pretty clear you have a problem. Now, the chances are that there may just be a leaf or twig stuck in the unit outside, and this causes a funny sound as the fan turns, but if not, there could be a more serious issue. Sounds to be weary of include buzzing, ticking, or rattling in the AC unit. The best solution here is to have a professional look at your AC as soon as possible.
Leaks
A common sign that your air conditioner is having an issue is leaking, or you notice a build-up of moisture in the wall or on the AC itself. If this happens, it could be that your air conditioner has a leak somewhere and is losing coolant. Coolant is an essential part of your air conditioner’s cooling function, so if it leaks out, your AC might not be able to function properly. To resolve this issue, you must identify the leak and, if possible, patch it up temporarily. Once you’ve done that, you must hire a professional to repair the leak.
What Do You Do When Your Air Conditioner Needs Repairs?
Not every issue requires you to replace your air conditioner. For small issues, like a clogged filter, you can simply clean it or replace it yourself or call in a professional if you’re not confident or in the mood to do the job. Should your AC need repairs, Sun City Air is one of Australia’s top AC suppliers, and they can provide free quotes on air conditioner repairs and help you choose a new one if you need it.
Final Thought
Your air conditioner is bound to give you issues sooner or later. That said, regular maintenance and keeping it clean can increase its lifespan exponentially. If you notice any of the errors above, consider getting it repaired first. Replacing it would be your next step if that’s not possible.