7 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Replacing

7 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Replacing

Serving Gresham | Troutdale | Portland | Happy Valley

Even though summers here in Portland are mild on average, we do get our fair share of hot days – and when those days arrive, your air conditioner must be ready to handle them. Springtime is the perfect time to check up on your air conditioner and make sure it’s ready for the summer. You might even find that your AC needs replacing, and the Multnomah Heating, Inc. team is the best one for that job. Here are 7 signs that your air conditioner needs to be replaced.

Inefficient Cooling

If your air conditioner is on and working but not cooling the way it should, it definitely needs some attention. You might notice your home or business cooling unevenly – some rooms cooling too much or not enough. You may also notice that your unit is working too hard for the amount of cold air it’s producing.

Higher Energy Bills

Several factors contribute to your energy bill, but if your AC unit isn’t working properly, it could impact your bill. This is because the unit has to work harder to produce the same amount of cool air, driving up energy usage and therefore your bills.

Higher Repair Costs

Along with higher energy costs, your aging AC unit may need increasingly frequent repairs. The older a unit gets, the more likely it is that parts will break down and need replacing. Eventually, you might end up paying more for repairs than the unit is worth – and you could actually save money in the long run by investing in a new unit.

You can use the “$5,000 Rule” to assess this. This rule indicates that if the age of your AC unit multiplied by your repair estimate exceeds $5,000, you should consider replacing the unit instead. For instance, a $500 repair on an 11-year-old unit comes out to $5,500, so a new unit may be the better choice.

Excessive Noise

This could be a sign of loose or worn components, or an AC unit that is working too hard. It could be a simple fix, like a belt replacement, or it could be a sign that your entire system needs to be replaced. Either way, something needs attention – and it’s better to take care of it sooner rather than later.

Musty or Burning Smells

If you smell burning or musty odors from your AC unit, turn it off immediately. These smells could have several causes, such as overheating parts, electrical issues, and even mold growth. All of these issues should be addressed promptly by an HVAC professional.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

If you notice ice in or on your AC unit, it could be a sign of dirty coils, blocked ducts, or refrigerant leakage. If you have an older unit – especially one that uses R-22 refrigerant – it may be more expensive to replace the leaky coil than it would be to buy a new, more environmentally-conscious unit.

Your System is Getting Old

If your system is outside its expected lifespan, it will need to be replaced soon. This will vary by device, but most AC units last around 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. If you’ve had your unit for that long without replacing it, now is the perfect time to get a new one.

Should I Repair or Replace My AC Unit?

You may not need to replace your entire air conditioner unit. Repairs may be possible instead in certain cases. This depends on the age of your unit and its overall condition. Generally, if your AC unit is over 10 years old and not functioning properly, you should be prepared to replace it. If it’s newer than that, it could be worth the repair costs; reference the $5,000 rule we mentioned above! If you’re not sure what to do, don’t hesitate to call the Multnomah Heating, Inc. team for expert advice.

Keep Your AC Up and Running With Help From Multnomah Heating, Inc.

The Multnomah Heating, Inc. team is dedicated to keeping Portland homes and businesses comfortable year-round, no matter what the weather outside is like. As we head into the warmest parts of the year, it’s important to make sure your air conditioner is up to the challenge. Have the pros at Multnomah Heating, Inc. assess your AC unit now, and you’ll be all set for whatever this summer will bring.

Give us a call to get started with a free estimate!