Four Signs You Should Replace Your AC Unit

Your air conditioning unit has the all-important job of keeping you and your loved ones comfortable indoors all year round. Proper AC is a big investment, but a worthwhile one. If you’re living in the Lower Mainland, you’ll remember the heat wave of 2021. Your AC works hard for you.

With record temperatures in the books from last summer, that AC investment is looking even more precious. In order to avoid disaster, as we approach a new summer, it may be a good idea to proactively evaluate your AC unit for repair or replacement.

Take it from us: The middle of summer is not the time you want to be replacing your AC. Being the busiest time of year for AC repair and replacement, you’ll be forced make a quick purchase decision and will likely have to go days without AC in the meantime.

To help you eliminate the guesswork, here are 4 warning signs that it’s probably time to replace your hardworking AC unit:

1. Your AC is more than 10 years old

Old age doesn’t always mean the end of life is imminent. If properly installed and maintained, it’s reasonable to expect you’re AC to last 10-15 years. Newer units can even last up to 20 years. But if you’ve left your AC hanging for the past decade, it’s probably near time for a replacement.

One of the big differences between your AC and the rest of your appliances is that it normally lives outside. All year round it’s battling the elements – rain, snow, and extreme temperatures along with falling debris that can often cause incremental damage.

You’ll have to weigh the pros of cons of replacing versus repairing, but if your unit is more than 10 years old, keep in mind its parts are also old. If parts have become obsolete, it may be tough or even impossible to find replacement parts.

If you’d like to talk to one of our qualified AC technicians about your options, we’d be happy to connect, answer any questions and get you a free quote.

2. Your Energy Bills are Skyrocketing

AC works hard, especially in the hottest months. That means it will eat a significant portion of your energy bill, and you can expect seasonal fluctuations – that’s totally normal.

But if you notice your bills spiking unusually, despite no major lifestyle changes, that could be sign of an inefficient AC system. And an inefficient system is one that isn’t working properly.

If your energy bills are running high and don’t return back to a normal level, that’s a good sign that your AC is due for a replacement. If you’re unsure about the culprit of your higher energy bill, you can always order a home energy audit to pinpoint the problem.

Our AC experts at Hudson Service Group would be happy to come inspect your system and offer a quote, free of charge.

3. Your Home Doesn’t Feel Cool

There are a number of reasons why your AC unit isn’t blowing cool air. Either way, this will surely be a frustrating experience, especially during the summer months. In some cases, the AC system may just need some love, while in others it could mean major malfunction and replacement is long overdue.

In less serious instances, your unit by be clogged with dust or debris. You can wipe down the AC filters and ducts by hand, or call to get your filter replaced altogether. As a general best practice, these filters should be replaced roughly every 3 months, depending on the system.

If your system isn’t blowing cool air, or your home feels damp and humid, it could also mean your AC’s life is almost over. An inefficient system will have trouble removing moisture from warm air and turning it into cool air. If this is happening to your unit, it’s time for a replacement.

Give us a call and one of our technicians would be happy to come take a look at your AC.

4. Your AC is Constantly in Need of Repair

It’s completely normal to have yearly AC maintenance done for your system. But if it continues to break down and have problems, that’s not a good sign. If leaks, weird smells, and weird sounds are constantly bugging you, it may be time for an AC replacement.

AC repairs can be costly, and if you’re constantly picking up the phone for service, it might make more sense to replace your system altogether. In the long-run, you’ll likely save money and headaches.

If you’re unsure about whether it’s time for an AC repair or replacement, reach out to Hudson Service Group and we’d be happy to offer a free AC consultation.

If your AC is functioning well, or you just aren’t able to replace your current system right now, there are a few things you can do to prolong its life:

• Regularly check for debris and dust. You can save your system a lot of stress by helping it out with a cloth once and a while.
• Find your ‘magic number’ and leave the temperature the same 24/7. Set and forget cooling uses less electricity, costs less, and will be less taxing on your AC system.
• Remember to change your filter every 3 months at a minimum – if it’s plugged, your system will shut down.
• Have your system serviced at the turn of the season (hot into cold, and cold into hot).
• Use ceiling fans and sun blocking blinds. This will help take some of the load off your AC unit.

To schedule regular maintenance or a free consultation for an AC replacement, get in contact with our AC experts at Hudson Service Group: