Signs Your SLC Air Conditioner Unit Requires Replacement

As we enter the spring and summer periods, many homeowners are naturally looking to their air conditioner units and ensuring they’re ready for the upcoming cooling season. This may also be a period where you notice some damage or other issues that have taken place — how can you tell if these issues are significant enough to potentially require replacement of the unit?

At My Buddy the Plumber, we’re here to help with a variety of AC and related HVAC needs for our Salt Lake City clients, including new air conditioning installations if you’ve determined the time is right. What are some of the telltale signs that your unit may have reached this point? Here are a few to keep an eye on.

Low Airflow

One of the most common issues we see with aging air conditioner units is a decrease in airflow. The unit may still turn on and appear to be working, but little to no air is coming out of the vents.

Now, in some cases this issue can be remedied by simply cleaning or replacing filters. However, if the airflow is still low after taking these steps, it’s likely that there’s a bigger issue at hand — such as problems with the blower motor or ductwork. These can often be so significant that replacement is the best option.

Rising Energy Bills

If you’ve noticed your energy bills gradually increasing over time, there’s a good chance that your air conditioner unit is to blame. Older units simply aren’t as efficient as newer models, so they use more energy to operate.

Not only will this place a bigger burden on your wallet every month, but it’s also bad news for the environment. Replacing your old AC unit with a new, high-efficiency model can help you save money and shrink your carbon footprint all at the same time.

Constant Repair Needs

If your air conditioner unit is still relatively new but already needs frequent repairs, that’s another sign that it may be time for a replacement. No matter how well you take care of your AC unit, parts will eventually start to wear out and break down.

In some cases, it may make sense to replace just the broken component. But if you find yourself calling for repairs on a regular basis, it’s probably more cost-effective in the long run to replace the entire unit.

Strange Noises

If your air conditioner is making strange noises, that’s another potential sign of trouble. Common sounds to watch out for include hissing, banging, and rattling. Hissing could indicate a refrigerant leak, while banging or rattling could signal issues with the compressor or fan.

Of course, strange noises can also be caused by things like debris in the unit or loose components. So, if you hear any unusual sounds coming from your AC unit, it’s always best to have a professional take a look to diagnose the problem.

Warm Air Output

Air conditioners are meant to blow cool air, so if you notice that yours is blowing warm air instead, that’s definitely cause for concern. In some cases, this issue can be resolved by simply adjusting the thermostat. But if that doesn’t do the trick, there’s likely a bigger problem at hand.

Warm air output can be caused by a variety of issues, including low refrigerant levels, a faulty compressor, or a failed evaporator coil. These problems can often be expensive to fix, so replacement may be the best option in the long run.

High Humidity Levels

Some don’t realize it, but your AC unit is just as important for your home’s humidity as it is for its temperature. As the unit pulls warmer air and replaces it with cooler air, it also removes excess moisture from the air.

If your unit isn’t operating correctly, that can lead to high humidity levels in your home — which can cause all sorts of problems, including mold and mildew growth. If you’ve noticed an increase in humidity levels, it’s best to have a professional take a look at your AC unit to see if it needs to be replaced.

Water Leaks

Because the air conditioner uses refrigerant to cool your home, it’s important that the unit is sealed tightly to prevent any refrigerant leaks. If you notice water leaking from your AC unit, that’s a sign that there may be a problem with the seals.

This issue can often be fixed by simply replacing the seals. But if the problem persists, it could be a sign of a bigger issue — such as a cracked heat exchanger. These types of problems are often expensive to fix, so replacement may be the best option in the long run.

Poor Smells

Another possible sign that your air conditioner unit needs to be replaced is if you notice strange smells coming from the unit itself. Musty smells could indicate the growth of mold or mildew, while burning smells could signal an electrical problem.

If you notice any strange smells coming from your AC unit, it’s always best to have a professional take a look to diagnose the problem. These smells could be caused by a few different things, and it’s important to get to the bottom of the issue as soon as possible.

As you can see, there are a number of potential indicators that your air conditioner unit may need to be replaced. If you notice any of these issues, it’s always best to have a professional take a look to diagnose the problem.

For more on this, or to learn about any of our HVAC services in SLC, including AC replacement, contact our team at My Buddy the Plumber today.