If your AC unit is under around 7 years old or younger, we recommend having it repaired rather than having it replaced. Often times the job can be a relatively simple one, and can save you money in the long term. With autumn here and with winter coming on its heels, it’s time to ensure your Air conditioning unit is running smoothly and efficiently.
We’ve all been tinkerers, whether that’s TVs, bicycles, cars or toys, we’ve all wanted to know how something works so we can improve it or fix it on the cheap. No matter how rudimentary our fix, why not give repairing something a shot? Why would we choose to pay more? Of course then there is that decision to simply replace something, and in some classes of consumer electronics, that has become easier and cheaper to do so. And if you got to a potential problem early, it was much easier to fix. However, sometimes it’s easier to get the experts, and with an AC unit, it’s much better to get a local expert to look at your unit.
In our extensive experience, it been much easier repair a problem that is caught early, than it is to leave it to become more severe and pronounced over time. Living in Canberra, and along the South Coast, we understand how hot summer can be, and now, how cold winters can be. It’s important to your families’ health and wellbeing that the climate in your house is just right. If you can catch the small signs, you won’t have to pay for expensive repairs as the cold prepares to settle in. So get yourself familiar with the signs that your air conditioner needs to be repaired or replaced. And we just so happen to know a local AC repair business that is happy to take it apart for you.
Like all appliances, your air conditioner won’t last forever, although you will get good mileage out of a well-maintained system. While it depends on your unit, the climate you live in and how often you use it, a regularly serviced air conditioner will last much longer than one that is not.
So just what are the signs your AC needs repairing or replacing?
Sign #1 Loud Noises Coming From Your Unit
If you’re hearing squealing, grinding, or scraping coming from your AC unit when it’s operating, there could be a problem inside the unit with a belt slipping out of place. This is a serious issue that merits an immediate call to a local expert because loose pieces can damage other, costly parts as well.
Sign #2: Your AC Is Blowing Warm Air
You didn’t get an air conditioner so it could sit around and look good. It has to keep your family comfortable over Canberra’s coming cold winter which regularly has temperatures that set into the negative. If your AC had problems during the hottest months of the year, blowing warm instead of refreshingly cold air, you need to have a local professional HVAC technician out for a repair.
Sign #3: Very Little Air Coming Out of Vents
A slight variation of the warm air issue is a problem with weak air flow. Maybe you turn your AC on and you can feel cool air, it’s just coming out of your vents so weakly that it’s not circulating well through the room. Often this is a sign that the AC unit’s compressor is failing, but it can also indicate issues with your ducts. There’s a bit of uncertainty here, so you definitely want to call in a local professional for a tune-up to ensure there aren’t bigger problems.
Sign #4: AC Not Removing Enough Humidity
Part of the air conditioner’s job is to reduce the humidity in your house. Now, we don’t exactly have the world’s most humid climate here in Northern California, but there is a slight amount of moisture in the air. If you start to notice humidity inside your house even when the AC is running, it may be in need of repair.
Sign #5: The Thermostat Is Not Working
The thermostat is command central for your AC, telling it how much cool air to generate and then taking measurements to make sure it’s doing its job. If your AC won’t turn on, or if it runs for short periods of time before turning itself off, this may indicate that your thermostat has broken and is no longer accurately gauging if the unit is working or not. This is an area to call in a local expert, since there are complex electrical components involved with the thermostat.
Sign #6: Your Air Conditioner Smells Bad When Turned On
Your AC isn’t supposed to stink. If it does, something has gone wrong. A pungent smell in this situation normally indicates that the wire insulation inside the unit has burned out, while a musty smell probably means there’s mould somewhere in the unit or possibly even the ductwork. This is something you need a professional to diagnose ASAP because it can make you and your family sick.
Sign #7: Freon Refrigerant Leaks Around AC Unit
Moisture leaking anywhere in or around your HVAC system is a problem. In the most serious cases, this indicates a refrigerant leak. Freon is poisonous, so call a pro immediately on sight. In less serious cases, however, it may be water because the tube that disposes of condensation is blocked or broken. This can manifest a couple of ways. Sometimes, you’ll see water leaking out of the unit onto your floor, and other times you may notice ice inside your HVAC on the copper refrigerant lines that run outside the condenser. Both are a sign that a professional should be called in.
Sign #8 Your unit is leaking or producing excess moisture
Depending on the type of air conditioner you have, a small amount of condensation or water dripping on the outside of your unit (i.e. outside the house) is normal. But for the most part, your air conditioning unit should stay dry whether or not it’s in use. If you notice moisture inside the house, a sudden increase in condensation or a leak, it may be time for a replacement. First of all, get a local air conditioning expert to inspect it straight away for safety reasons (electrical components and water are not a good combination). Some units may spring refrigerant leaks; refrigerant should only ever be handled by a professional due to the health risks it poses. Your air conditioning expert will locate the source of the leak and let you know if a new unit is the most cost-effective course of action.
Sign #9: Your Electric Bill Doubled
A power bill suddenly shooting up without a corresponding bump in how often you are running your air conditioner is another strong indicator that your system is in need of repair or replacement. There are multiple causes for this particular issue, including leaks in your AC’s ductwork, a broken thermostat switch, or the advanced age of the unit. Regardless of the source of the trouble, the AC will need to be repaired.
Sign #10: Your Air Conditioner’s 10th birthday is up
If your AC has made it to its tenth birthday, or longer, you should thank it for its abnormally long life of service and start shopping for a new unit. A decade is at the high end of how long air conditioners live for.
So do you recognise any of these signs? Don’t wait. Call us, your local air conditioner experts now. To stay comfortable during the winter and summer months, it’s vital to carry out any necessary repairs, or if it proves to be more cost effective, it may be time to part ways with your unit and invest in a brand spanking new one with a warranty.
Southern Air Conditioning Batemans Bay
- We are your locally owned air conditioning experts
- Call us for a free, no obligation quote
- With almost a decade of air conditioning experience, we’re the local experts, you can trust us to keep you comfortable all year round.
- At Southern Air Conditioning Batemans Bay, we’re only happy when your air conditioning system is performing at its best. That’s why every system we sell includes a warranty and 24/7 breakdown repair service.
What next?
Call us on 1800 433 163 for a free, no-obligation onsite quote. We’re happy to help you choose the best air conditioning system for your home. Our advice can save you money and bring enduring results that meet your needs.