Ducted air conditioning systems provide comfortable indoor environments during extreme weather conditions. With the passage of time, air conditioning systems may develop some wear and tear, inefficiency, driving repairs up and increasing energy bills.
If you are still in doubt of whether your AC system needs replacement or not, here are five signs to look for in deciding whether your air conditioning system needs a replacement.
- Increase in Energy Bills
When there has been a steady increase in one’s energy bills, where the usage habits have been constant, it could be that the ducted air conditioning system is at fault. As air conditioning systems get older, they are less effective due to the depletion of some components, blocking of filters, and deterioration of duct space insulation.
Old systems make use of more electricity to maintain the same cooling or heating levels, which eventually increases energy consumption. Newer units are made to be energy efficient, featuring inverter systems combined with enhanced temperature controls to reduce electric usage.
This will help you save lots of money on your utility bills while allowing more consistent comfort in your home.
- System Cannot Heat or Cool Your Home
Ideally, that ducted air conditioning should have been capable of operating efficiently throughout to provide uniformly cool or warm air in all the rooms. Any variation in heat or cold in some rooms could be evidence of problems such as:
Blocked Ducts: Mechanical blockages of airflow can prevent cool or warm air from reaching certain areas.
Problems with the compressor: Circulating the refrigerant around the system is the compressor’s major function. Should it start to fail, the unit may struggle to reach the desired temperature.
Aging system components: Over the years, fans, motors, and sensors gradually wear out and render the system less efficacious. You find your air conditioner is not able to carry out the functions anymore.
When you notice that your unit no longer can maintain an even temperature in your house routine, modern systems that feature zoned temperature control may offer you the best solution. With zones, you can transfer heating or cooling from one area to another, maintaining even cooling or heating throughout your house.
- You Have to Keep Fixing Your Air Conditioning
While failure and repairs are generally expected for any air conditioning system, certainly, if your air conditioning keeps breaking down for one major reason or another, and, of course, costing you an account on repairs, maybe your air conditioning is toward the end of running.
Consider the following questions:
- How many times do you call the technician? If you were to monitor repair frequencies for your system, then it would require a technician more than just once or twice in one year; thus, certain costs would stack it up.
- Are the repairs getting more expensive? If it’s a biggie-four compressor or motor needing replacement, it might be more reasonable to go in for a new air conditioner unit.
- Has your warranty expired? After a warranty period of service time elapses, repairs can become increasingly costly and a waste of money, though some systems still hold good.
Upgrade to a new, more reliable air conditioning system to eliminate the worry of recurrent breakdowns and save your money in the long run.
- There Are Strange Noises or Smells from Your Aircon
Generally, a ducted air conditioning system is said to work well, operating silently in a soft hum. Loud and strange sounds, such as banging, rattling, squealing, or clicking, indicate that something is wrong inside. These noises usually signify some sort of issue concerning the fan motor, compressor, or loosened ductwork. A split-second thought about it or ignoring it will lead to greater mechanical breakdown in time that’s going to require costly restoration.
A similarly crucial indicator is any odor emanating from the air conditioning vents. Musty or moldy smells usually indicate water has built up in the ducts, posing a great risk for mold growth, thus ruining indoor air quality. Then there is the burning smell, possibly pointing to an electrical fault or component overheating, which often acts as a fire hazard. When strange noises or smells continuously persist, replacing the whole system might just be the safest and most sensible option. Modern units usually operate with much less noise and better filtration systems allowing better indoor air quality.
- Your Aircon Is Over 10-15 Years Old
Most ducted air conditioning systems run for a period between 10 to 15 years, depending on their maintenance. But with age and inefficiently running systems that have a higher risk of needing servicing more frequently, one might have an older aircon, which might potentially be still working but won’t work incredibly efficiently compared to its new counterpart.
One of the greatest issues that the older systems present is obsolete technology. Modern air conditioners utilize environmentally friendly refrigerants, energy-efficient features, and intelligent controls which improve efficiency while using much less energy. On the other hand, older systems frequently rely on refrigerants that are no longer manufactured; as a result, they can suffer from exorbitantly expensive and troublesome repairs.
Consider upgrading to a new system that cools or heats better, is equipped with better air quality, and consumes less electricity/maintaining costs. Besides, changing the system will ensure that you do not run into glitches when it is at the edge of a breakdown, indicative of the end of its lifespan.
Final Thoughts
If your ducted air conditioning system has started failing, considering an upgrade to a replacement system will benefit you in many ways. It will save you on energy and allow a better distribution of air, reducing maintenance hassles. If you’ve discovered skyrocketing bills; cooling isn’t balanced; repairs are becoming frequent; you hear noises you have never heard; or your system is older than 10 years, would be a good time to replace it.
Discussing with HVAC specialists will give you an insight into the assessment and determine which replacement option will best upgrade your home. It will include better reliability, enhanced comfort, and less energy alarm on your electricity bill.
