Using and Maintaining HVAC Systems in Rental Properties

Common Warning Signs That Indicate You Need A New AC Unit

The AC unit is an important appliance during the summer months because it keeps you cool and comfortable. Unfortunately, these units are not designed to last forever. The following warning signs are a good indication that you need a new AC unit. 

Higher Energy Bills 

One of the most important resources you can use to tell you how your AC unit is performing is your energy bill. If these bills are constantly higher than normal, chances are your HVAC equipment is no longer performing at an optimal rate.

To verify these higher costs, talk to your neighbors and compare your bills with theirs. If there is a huge discrepancy, you'll know that your AC unit is the problem. You should respond by having a newer, more energy-efficient AC unit installed.

Constantly Hot Inside

The sole purpose of an AC unit is to keep you and your family cool. When it fails to do so on a consistent basis, something may seriously be wrong. To see whether you need a new unit or not, contact an HVAC repair technician.

They'll check your cooling system to see what's causing it to fail in terms of bringing cool air in. The problem may be as simple as a dirty air filter or frozen evaporator coil. Whatever the issue is, if it requires a service technician to come out regularly to your home, you're probably better off purchasing a new unit. You can then save on repairs and stay cool, all of the time.

Past Its Prime

When you experience a lot of AC-related issues, the problem may be that your unit is simply too old. It may be past its shelf-life, in which case you'll need to have a new unit installed by a licensed HVAC contractor.

To see how long your AC unit is intended to last, consult with the owner's manual that came with the unit. Somewhere it should say the lifespan of your particular unit. Most units will last around 10-15 years. If your unit has passed the recommended range and you're experiencing problems on a consistent basis, go ahead and have the old unit replaced. 

No matter what type of AC unit you have, there will be a point in time when it needs to be replaced. As long as you pay attention to warning signs that indicate a replacement is needed, you can avoid wasting time and money on a faulty unit. For more information, contact your local HVAC equipment manufacturer.


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