After a long, cold winter, summer has finally arrived. The summer sun brings days by the pool, watching the game with a cold beer, and the start of air conditioning season. It’s probably been a while since you’ve fired up your central air, so if you experience any of these three signs it might be time to start thinking about replacing your central AC system.
1. Your Air Conditioner Makes Strange Noises
A properly functioning central air conditioning system shouldn’t make too much noise. That may seem like common sense, but in a home with forced hot air, you might hear a constant dull roar coming from your ducts during the winter. Most newer, high-efficiency two-speed air conditioning compressors feature sound dampening technology that should keep the hubbub down to about 55 decibels. For reference, 55 decibels is about the amount of noise a coffee maker produces when it’s brewing up a fresh pot. Older condensers might make a bit of noise when they turn on, but once they’re up and running, they shouldn’t be too noticeable.
Even beyond the decibel level, certain sounds could be signs of some serious issues and shouldn’t be ignored. For instance, if you hear a banging or clanging sound you most likely have a mechanical problem like a loose crankshaft or an unbalanced blower. Ignoring that sound might eventually mean the whole compressor needs to be replaced. Humming or clicking sounds could indicate some electrical problems while buzzing or rattling could mean anything from debris in the unit to impending mechanical failure. The point being, if you hear these sounds, call a professional to have it checked, with any luck it might be an easy fix, if you wait, they almost certainly won’t be.
One sound you absolutely can’t ignore (even if you wanted to) is a high pitched screaming. If you hear a screech, even if it sounds more like a hiss, your system might be leaking freon which is a potentially deadly toxin. If you hear anything like that, shut down your system immediately and call a professional. Some leaks can be repaired, but others will mean replacing your condenser. Either way, it’s better to be safe than sorry with your family’s health!
2. Efficiency Problems with an Older AC Unit
Some inefficiency is normal in an older central air unit. But if your system performs worse than usual, it could signal a refrigerant leak. The easiest way to test efficiency is to turn on your AC. If it takes longer than usual to cool your home, the system isn’t running properly. A central air system in good condition also removes most of the humidity from summer air. If your home feels swampy in August, something is wrong. Other warning signs include low airflow from your registers or ice around your condenser. Any of these issues mean it’s time to call a professional.
Cooling won’t break the bank the way heating bills do, but you’ll still feel the cost in your summer electric bills. A modern, top-of-the-line central air system can save you hundreds on utilities. It can also run up to 40% more efficiently than units that are just ten years old. If your electric bills suddenly spike compared to last year, you may have a refrigerant leak. If that sounds familiar, you should definitely have a qualified professional take a look at your condenser. Once again, it might be an easy fix, but upgrading to a more efficient system might save you in the long run.
3. Circuit Breaker Issues
Every central AC system uses a circuit breaker to protect against sudden power surges that could fry the system. Nothing feels more frustrating during a heatwave than when a tripped breaker shuts down your central air. A tripped breaker may signal serious electrical issues, so you should have a professional check it out. Still, not every surge means disaster. Circuit breakers also trip for less serious reasons than total system failure. If it happens, be sure to let the system cool down for at least five minutes before flipping the breaker back on. Failure to do so can take a small problem, and make it much worse.
Routine power surges, such as those from thunderstorms, cause most circuit breaker tripsIf trips happen often, they could point to problems such as a clogged filter, loose wiring, refrigerant leaks, or even compressor failure. The bottom line is simple. If your central air keeps shutting down, call a professional as soon as possible.
Ultimately, central air conditioning systems are built to last anywhere from 10-15 years. Of course, there are some systems from the 70s that are still running today and some slick new ones that die in a few years. That said, if you’re noticing any of those three signs, start prepping yourself to get a new system installed.
If you do have to make an upgrade, why not consider converting to geothermal? It’s significantly more efficient, it’ll last you a lot longer, and it will cover your home’s heating needs as well, saving you thousands over the life of the system.
Why wait for one of these signs? Find out if your home qualifies for a Dandelion geothermal system today.
