Your air conditioning unit is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system since it helps you combat the Florida heat. In summer, when temperatures can easily reach 90 degrees, a strong and efficient air conditioning system keeps your home cool and comfortable. While quality air conditioners should last for years of consistent use, this isn’t always the case.
When your AC system fails to perform effectively, it can lead to rising energy bills, constant cycling, and discomfort. Luckily, most AC systems give signs before they break down, so you can start looking for a replacement before it’s too late. This blog explains the signs you might need a stronger air conditioning system.
Excessive and Strange Noise
An air conditioning system should operate quietly, producing little more than a light hum while running. If yours works too hard to cool the home, components may break down, which can cause the system to make strange noises. When you turn the AC on, listen for strange sounds such as:
- Banging
- Rattling
- Squealing
- Grinding
A belt, bearing, or other internal component may have come loose if you regularly hear one or several of these sounds. A professional HVAC technician can easily diagnose these strange sounds and advise you on whether a repair or replacement is necessary.
Foul Odors
Musty or burning smells from your AC system are never a good sign. These odors may indicate mold or mildew growth within the ducts, posing a risk to indoor air quality and potentially leading to health issues. Burning smells often suggest overheating components, a far more pressing concern that could cause further damage or even a fire hazard; your system may overheat if it’s working too hard to cool the home.
Constant Cycling
Short cycling, where your air conditioning system frequently turns on and off without completing a cooling cycle, indicates inefficiency and strain. This often occurs when the unit is too small for the area it’s trying to cool since bringing cool air to a large area requires an equally powerful AC unit. The constantly cycling system may also be unable to cope with the heat, even when it’s not too hot outside.
Warm Air
When we turn on the AC, we expect a cool breeze to settle throughout the house, gradually decreasing the temperature. However, if the system fails appropriately, it may blow warm air through the vents.
If your air conditioner blows warm air, several factors, such as low refrigerant levels, a failing compressor, or ductwork issues, could be at play. Warm air is a clear symptom of a unit that can no longer meet your cooling needs, especially if the problem persists despite regular maintenance.
Poor Airflow
As long as every vent is open, cool air should easily flow into each room once you set the AC. However, if you notice some rooms are freezing while others receive little to no airflow, your air conditioning unit likely has a problem. Inadequate airflow may arise from broken or blocked ductwork, fan issues, or even an undersized system unable to cool the entire home evenly.
Leaks From System
Pooling water around your AC unit or excessive condensation could mean a refrigerant leak, clogged drain lines, frozen evaporator coils, or deteriorating tubing. This can occur if your system is too weak for the home because it’s working too hard to keep the temperature down. Water leaks need immediate attention, as they may cause water damage, mold growth, and HVAC inefficiency.
High Humidity Levels
Frequent high humidity in the home is another sign that you might need a stronger air conditioning system. Air conditioners regulate temperature and humidity indoors, creating a balanced and enjoyable environment.
When your AC cannot adequately control high humidity levels, it indicates its inability to cool or dehumidify effectively. Excessive indoor moisture is uncomfortable and promotes mold and mildew growth, creating potential risks for your home’s structural integrity and your family’s health. A new, stronger air conditioning system can restore proper humidity levels and improve your overall comfort.
Frequent Repairs
If it feels like whenever you fix one issue with your AC system, another arises, it may be time to consider a replacement. While regular maintenance helps extend the life of your air conditioner, constantly needing repairs is a clear sign that the unit can no longer provide efficient cooling for your home.
Beyond the financial burden, constant repairs are inconvenient and can disrupt your daily life. Look through any paperwork and receipts for repairs over the last year to year and a half and evaluate how often you contact your HVAC technician.
Maintenance Isn’t a Repair
Properly working systems typically require little more than routine maintenance at the beginning of cooling season and again at the start of more frequent heater use. As you look through service receipts, set maintenance-related ones into a separate pile. A maintenance check-up is a thorough inspection that ensures the unit runs smoothly and catches potential issues before they become major problems.
Higher Energy Bills
If you open your energy bill for the month and are shocked at the numbers, your AC unit could be to blame for that spike in price. Units that lose efficiency over time consume more electricity to achieve the same results, driving up household expenses.
Regular maintenance can mitigate some of this inefficiency, but once the system consistently increases operating costs, it’s often no longer worth the investment. A more powerful, energy-efficient model can restore lower utility costs while enhancing overall performance.
It’s Outdated
Air conditioning units typically last 10 to 15 years, depending on factors such as maintenance and usage patterns. Once your system ages past this range, its efficiency and effectiveness decline significantly.
Additionally, older units are often unable to meet the cooling demands of modern homes due to changes in energy standards and technology. Older units are typically less energy-efficient and may not have the same features as newer models.
PRO TIP: Recent government mandates to use HVAC refrigerant with lower global warming potential (GWP) may lead to higher costs, short supplies or outages for repair parts and supplies needed to service an older unit. Talk to an HVAC professional about retrofit options or opportunities for replacement with a new system that’s more efficient – and better for the planet.
How to Address These Signs
When your AC system fails to work properly, it’s best to consult a professional HVAC technician immediately. When evaluating your system, the HVAC expert can diagnose what’s wrong with your air conditioner and possibly even the cause of damage. For instance, if your AC unit is too small for your home, they may recommend a new, stronger unit that meets your cooling needs and saves you money on energy bills.
Contact Us
Style Crest is an AC installation company serving Melbourne, Florida, and the surrounding area. Our team can help with HVAC repair, maintenance, or the installation of a new unit. With over 50 years of business experience, we can help keep your home comfortable. Contact us anytime with questions or concerns about your AC system.
