Your air conditioner keeps your home at a comfortable temperature and improves your indoor air quality. If your air conditioner is 15 or more years old, you should plan on replacing it soon. Even if your unit hasn’t hit the 20-year mark, you should pay attention to these warning signs that it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Even if your AC still has life in it, you might want to upgrade for better energy efficiency. Air conditioners loose efficiency as they age. But more important, due to advancements in technology and requirements, today’s models are much more efficient than in the past. When it’s time to replace your air conditioner, you can rely on Bold City Heating & Air to get the job done. Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your cooling system.

Your Air Conditioner Is Old

After about 10 years, the efficiency of an air conditioner usually declines. If your air conditioner is past its prime, you should be prepared to replace it soon. While some air conditioners last longer than their intended lifespan, it’s important to recognize when they need to be repaired or replaced. The last thing you want is to be stuck without air conditioning in the middle of a heat wave.

Your Electric Bill Has Skyrocketed

Your HVAC system is responsible for a significant portion of your monthly energy bill. You’ll want to watch your energy use compared to the previous year. A red flag is when your air conditioner uses significantly more energy while outside temperatures are equivalent. The more efficient your system is, the less you will spend to cool your home. Air conditioners that are old or in disrepair will not operate as efficiently as new and well-maintained systems. If you’re tired of seeing drastic spikes in your bill each month, it’s time to call Bold City Heating & Air to ask about an air conditioner replacement.

Your Air Conditioner Leaks

Leaks coming from your air conditioner are never a good sign. There are two types of air conditioner leaks you should be aware of. First, your air conditioner can leak refrigerant. This is a sign that your air conditioner needs to be repaired or replaced immediately. Refrigerant is toxic, so do not hesitate to call a professional if you hear a hissing sound coming from the indoor or outdoor unit. Water leaks are also a common air conditioner problem. You should contact an HVAC professional to determine why your air conditioner is leaking so it can be fixed properly.

You Notice Weird Odors

Bad odors are a telltale sign of something wrong with your air conditioner. Your air conditioner should never produce bad smells. If it does, the type of smell can indicate what the problem is. If the odor is musty, this can be a sign of mold. A burning smell can be a sign that something is wrong with the wires inside the unit. In either case, your air conditioner needs to be looked at by an HVAC technician. Mold can cause health issues, so you need to have this problem repaired as soon as possible. If you notice any weird smells coming from your air conditioner, you can trust Bold City Heating & Air to assess and remedy the issue.

Your Air Conditioner Is Noisy

While most air conditioners make some noises, there are certain sounds you should never ignore. Loud banging, squealing, and grinding noises are cries for help from your air conditioner. There are several reasons why your air conditioner would make these noises. If you notice any sound that isn’t typical for your air conditioner, you should contact Bold City Heating & Air to check it out for you. Our HVAC technician will be able to determine the cause of the sound and repair the issue. If the damage is too extensive, they may suggest that you replace your air conditioner.

You’re Not Getting Any Air

When an air conditioner is on its last leg, it may produce less air than it used to. Weak airflow is a clear sign that something is wrong with your air conditioner. When you aren’t getting enough airflow, your air conditioner can’t cool your home properly. This can make your home feel stuffy, and it causes the air conditioner to work harder. Running your air conditioner with reduced airflow can cause your electric bill to increase, and you won’t be comfortable when the temperatures start to climb.

You’re Only Getting Warm Air

If your air conditioner only blows warm air, it’s time to call a professional to repair or replace it. It is your air conditioner’s job to produce cold air so you can be comfortable in your home. If it can’t keep your home cool, you shouldn’t wait to call an HVAC technician to fix or replace it. You deserve a cool living space, especially during the brutal Jacksonville summers. Don’t hesitate to contact Bold City Heating & Air if your air conditioner is only producing warm air.

The Thermostat Is Broken

The thermostat is one of the most important components of your air conditioner. When it malfunctions, your air conditioner can’t keep your home cool. The thermostat tells your air conditioner how much cold air to make. If your air conditioner shuts down before reaching your desired temperature, you are probably dealing with a faulty thermostat. Your HVAC technician can repair the thermostat, but it may be best to replace the cooling system if it’s over 10 years old.

Your Home Is Humid

Your air conditioner doesn’t just keep your home cool. It is also supposed to reduce humidity. High humidity can make your home feel stuffy and hot, even if cold air blows from your air conditioner. If you feel like the humidity in your home is too high, you may need to have your air conditioner looked at by a professional. Your HVAC technician can determine the cause of humidity in your home and make the necessary repairs or recommend a replacement. You should be comfortable and happy in your home, so don’t wait to call Bold City Heating & Air if your house is too humid.

Your Air Conditioner Needs Constant Repairs

When your air conditioner is reaching the end of its life, you may notice that it needs more frequent repairs. At a certain point, it’s best to go ahead and replace your air conditioner instead of shelling out a few hundred dollars every other month to have it repaired. When your air conditioner is constantly breaking down, this can be very stressful and expensive. You should have a reliable air conditioner you can depend on, especially when you live in a hot place like Jacksonville. When the time comes, you can rely on the professionals at Bold City Heating & Air to replace your air conditioner.

Bold City Heating & Air offers air conditioning replacement services in Jacksonville, FL. We also offer installation, maintenance, and repair for heating and cooling systems. If you need air duct service or are having indoor air quality problems, you can call us for that, too. Contact Bold City Heating & Air today for more information.

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