Summer’s on its way, and that means it’s time to start thinking about your air conditioning unit. If you’re noticing some strange sounds or other signs that your AC might need replacing, don’t wait – do it now! Replacing an AC unit in the summer can be expensive and uncomfortable, so make sure you get started early. Here are a few tips on how to know when it’s time for a new AC unit.

Air Handler AC Unit

 

Your AC unit is more than 10 years old

If your AC Unit is a decade old, then it is time for a replacement. AC units typically last around 10-15 years, so if yours is on the older side, it’s probably time for a replacement. Make sure you start shopping for a new unit now, so you’re prepared when summer hits.

You have to constantly adjust the temperature to keep your home comfortable

If you’re constantly adjusting your AC to stay comfortable and if it takes more than an hour to cool your house, it’s time for a new unit. A faulty AC won’t be able to cool down individual rooms which means that some parts of your home will continue to get too hot during the summer months while others are too cold. If your old unit isn’t cooling the home efficiently anymore, you’re probably going to need to upgrade to save money on your monthly utility bills.

Your utility bills are climbing

If your energy bills are steadily increasing over time, that could be an early sign that it’s time for a replacement. When you notice this trend, make sure you schedule an appointment with a trusted HVAC company; they can inspect your unit and let you know if it’s worth putting in the effort of replacing it. This is especially true if you have had repairs done already.

You hear strange noises

Strange noises coming from your AC could be a signal that something is wrong with it, so have them checked out ASAP! Turn on your AC when you’re not home and listen in. If you notice any strange sounds or noises, your AC needs to be replaced or repaired.

The weird smell coming from the AC

If you smell a weird odor when using the air conditioning in your house, it’s time for a new unit. This could be caused by mold buildup that is not visible and requires professional cleaning. The bottom line: if any visible or noticeable signs indicate that you need to replace your AC unit, do it before you’re stuck with sweltering temperatures during summer!

There is a lot of dust and dirt building up inside the unit

If you notice that your AC is constantly covered in dust and dirt, that means it’s time to replace the unit. Periodic cleaning of your AC’s coils will help it work more efficiently, but if you can see so much grime on them that there is no hope of getting rid of it all yourself, contact a professional to service your AC.

AC Condenser

 

Preparing for your new AC Unit

So, you’ve determined that it’s time to replace your air conditioner unit. First of all, congratulations! You are taking the necessary steps to ensure your comfort in the summer months. There are a few important things you need to know when preparing for an AC replacement so that you have a good experience with the installation and use of the new/upgraded system.

Get a quote from an installation company

It’s best to get an estimate from a company to have the installation completed. This way, you can find out how much it will cost and compare notes with other companies before agreeing on a price point that works for your budget. You’ll want to do some comparison shopping to get the best deal possible.

Make sure it fits in the same space as the old unit

The first thing you need to do is make sure that your new unit will fit in the same space as the old one. If not, you may have to take down a wall or two to accommodate it. Though you don’t want to take down too much, this can be done without too much trouble by someone with basic skills and tools.

Check for exposed electrical wires

You’ll want to check your unit before installing it for exposed electrical wires. If any are visible, or if you are unsure of where they are, have an electrician come by and move them so that the unit can be installed safely. If this is not done, there may be issues with wiring in the future.

Clear away debris

You’ll also want to remove any old AC unit debris that is in the area of the installation before you begin. Removing this helps prevent injury and ensures that the new unit can be installed without too much extra effort or time on your part.

Well, there you have it – a few tips on how to know when it’s time for a new AC unit. We hope this information was helpful and that you feel confident in your ability to make the right decision for your home this summer. If you have any questions or need more assistance, don’t hesitate to give Universal Air and Heat in Davie, FL at (954) 581-7110. We would be happy to help!

service vehicle in service location