There’s nothing worse than your air conditioner deciding to pack it in on a hot day.
While many air conditioning issues could be a relatively simple fix if you bring in the right skilled technician, there are a few things you might notice about your air conditioner that suggest upgrading to a newer unit might be the better option.
If you’re unsure if it’s time for an air conditioning replacement, here are five tell-tale signs to look out for…
Common Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Replacing
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Not Cooling (or Heating) Effectively
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling effectively or the airflow is very weak, it could simply be that the filters need cleaning, or it could be a sign of a more major issue like a fault with the compressor or the air ducts.
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The System is Leaking
A leaking air conditioner should never be ignored. If you’ve noticed fluid around your air conditioner, it’s most likely because of a malfunctioning unit or a refrigerant leak (which can pose a health risk). While some leaks can be repaired, it’s often better to replace the unit.
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Unusual Sounds or Smells
If you’ve noticed your air conditioner is making unusual sounds, it could be due to a mechanical issue with the unit, signalling it’s on its way out.
Unpleasant odours are another thing to look out for as it could be a sign of mould build-up. While hydro sanitise cleaning can eliminate any bacteria and mould, if the underlying issue isn’t addressed, the mould is likely to reappear down the track.
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An Increase in Your Energy Bills
As the components in an air conditioner become worn out, the unit is unable to operate efficiently and it needs to chew through more electricity to be able to function. If you’ve noticed your energy bills gradually increasing over time, your air conditioner could be the culprit.
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It Needs Frequent or Major Repairs
If you’re continually calling in the technicians to repair a faulty or failing air conditioner or the system requires major repairs like a new compressor or condenser, upgrading to a new model is likely to be more cost effective than repairing the existing unit.
The Cost of Replacing an Air Conditioner
It shouldn’t cost any more to replace an old air conditioner than it would to have a new unit installed. The cost will largely depend on the type of system (split-systems are generally much cheaper than ducted systems) and the complexity of the install.
The best way to find out how much an air conditioning replacement will cost is to obtain a quote from a professional air conditioning installer.
Can You Do Your Own Air Conditioning Replacement?
You’ll need to engage a licensed installer to replace an air conditioning unit.
As the installation involves handling potentially harmful refrigerant (Freon), you’ll need to source a technician that’s licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to manage the installation.
Need to replace your old air conditioner? Find out more about our professional air conditioning installation services or contact us to request a quote.
