Is It Time to Replace Your A/C Unit? Here Are Key Clues to Look Out For

A good quality air conditioning unit can last for many years without needing a replacement. In effect, it can be quite tough to know when you already need to replace your AC unit, especially since minor problems are almost always fixed by routine maintenance and simple repairs.

However, there would really come a time when routine maintenance or even replacement of its essential parts could no longer extend the life of your old, trusty AC. In this article, we’ll clue you in on some key signs that you already need to book new air conditioning installation services. 

Clue #1: Unit is Over 10 Years Old

Modern AC units are built to last anywhere between 10-20 years, depending on how well it is maintained over time. As such, once your unit hits its 10th service anniversary with your home or commercial space, you should start planning to replace it.

For one, old models periodically get phased out with the rollout of newer models. In effect, you might find it hard to get replacement parts for a decade-old air conditioning unit, making potential repairs difficult and costly, as you’d have to search for rare parts which you might even have to import just to get your hands on.

On top of that, most new models come with better features and are easier to operate. One shining feature that newer models typically have that older models don’t is energy efficiency.

Lastly, old units are prone to frequent breakdowns and might cease to function properly without constant repair work. When you notice that your unit has been malfunctioning quite often, you have to assess whether purchasing a new unit has become more cost-effective than spending money on frequent repairs.

If you decide that purchasing would be the more economical choice, our team at Excelsior Mechanical will be ready to install a new unit for you. 

Clue #2: Energy Bill is Increasing

Did you know that skyrocketing energy bills could be connected to a bad AC unit? The worn-out parts of an old, rickety AC take longer to run efficiently. Hence, they consume more power doing the same work a newer model can do at a fraction of the power consumption. 

Old air conditioning units also function slower. The time a new unit will use to cool your room might be doubled with an old unit. Naturally, the longer the time the AC is on full blast, the higher the bills you’d end up paying. 

Clue #3: Unit is Emitting Bad Odours

You know your AC unit is due for a replacement once it starts to smell like any one of the following:

If you notice any of these odours, turn off the AC immediately. Then contact a technician as these odours call for a thorough repair or a new air conditioner installation, depending on the issue at hand, which your technician should also be able to identify. 

Clue #4: Humidity Issues

As mentioned earlier, an old AC unit would tend to have a lot of issues. Humidity control is one of them. An old air conditioner has poor humidity control, leaving humidity levels in your room out of whack. 

Secondly, when dealing with AC units, you have to know the right unit for your space. If your unit is too big or small for your home, it could also affect its functionality in controlling humidity.

Clue #5: Unit is Leaking

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, you had to put a bucket under your AC. In this case, you might just need air conditioning repair if the only thing leaking is water, but when the refrigerant starts to leak out, too, your AC needs replacing. 

A refrigerant is a liquid or gaseous compound. It plays a significant role in cooling your room but is highly dangerous when it starts to leak. If you notice that the fluid coming out from our AC is not water, turn the unit off immediately and call for professional help. 

Have Your New AC Installed Today

Did you find one or more of the above-discussed clues on your AC? Then the only thing left to do is book an appointment with us so we can remedy the problem right away. 

Excelsior Mechanical is a leading provider of air conditioning installation, repair, and maintenance services in the Saskatoon area. Nearby residents may also get in touch with us by calling 306-652-1795.