10 Signs That It May Be Time For A New Air Conditioner Installation | Fort Worth, TX
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During the hot summer months in Fort Worth, TX, you rely greatly on the air conditioning system in your home. A typical summer day can reach 96 degrees. When you add humidity into the mix, it will feel a lot hotter than it really is. Most people find it more comfortable to sit in their air-conditioned homes rather than spend time in the heat.
Like every appliance in your home, your air conditioner won’t last forever. The average lifespan of an air conditioner is between 10 and 15 years. If you live in a climate like Florida, where it is warm all year long, the lifespan will be closer to 10 years. In Fort Worth, you can get closer to 15 years out of your air conditioner as long as it is properly maintained.
When your air conditioner has reached its maximum lifespan, there will be signs to let you know that it is time for a new air conditioner installation. If you can recognize these signs early, you can get the process started before your existing air conditioner breaks down completely.
#1 The Air Isn’t Cool
The most obvious sign that there is an issue with the air conditioner in your Fort Worth, TX home is if the air from the vents isn’t coming out cool. Before you start planning for an AC repair or a new air conditioner installation, check the settings on the thermostat. First, make sure the thermostat is set to the cooling mode. If it isn’t, the system won’t produce cold air. Next, check the temperature setting. The temperature setting on the thermostat should be colder than the temperature in the home. If it isn’t, the system won’t kick on.
If everything checks out, you should contact an HVAC company. The issue could be something minor, such as a refrigerant leak or the system needs a tuneup. There could also be a minor issue. However, the issue could be that your system has reached its maximum lifespan, and it is time for a new air conditioner installation. An HVAC tech will inspect your system to determine whether there is an issue that can be repaired or if a new AC installation would be the best course of action.
#2 Uneven Cooling
If you find that some areas of your house are cool and comfortable and other areas are warmer, you should schedule an appointment with your local HVAC company. The issue could be something simple like the system needs to be turned up or recalibrated. However, this could also signify that your system has reached its maximum lifespan, and it is time for a new air conditioner installation. When an air conditioner reaches the end of its lifespan, it will be difficult to provide even cooling throughout your home.
#3 Poor Air Flow Coming From the Vents
If you aren’t getting adequate airflow from the vents in your Fort Worth. TX home, there is an issue with either the air conditioner or the air ducts.
Over the course of a year, several pounds of dust, dirt, pet dander, and other debris can build up in the air ducts. When this happens, the debris can obstruct the airflow. Clogged air ducts are more serious than you may think. Not only will the airflow be poor, but your system will have to work overtime to keep your home cool, which will increase your energy bill. In addition, the excess strain can reduce the lifespan of your system, and you will need to consider a new air conditioner installation sooner than necessary. Finally, the debris in the air ducts will circulate through the home, affecting the air quality.
If your air ducts were recently cleaned, the system’s blower could be malfunctioning, making it difficult for the cool air to reach the vents. Poor airflow is also a sign that your air conditioner is reaching the end of its lifespan. If this is the case, it is time to start planning for a new air conditioner installation.
#4 Your Energy Bills Have Increased
If you have been living in your Fort Worth, TX home for at least one summer, you should have an idea of how much your summer energy bills should be. If your bills are unusually high, your air conditioner could be to blame. As mentioned earlier, if your air ducts are clogged, your air conditioner will work harder to keep the home cool, causing a spike in your energy bill.
If your air ducts have been recently cleaned, it may be time for a new air conditioner installation. When your system reaches its maximum lifespan, it will no longer be able to run as efficiently as it once did, which can cause an increase in your energy bills. A new air conditioner installation is the best solution to the problem. New systems are energy efficient and designed to keep your energy bills down. Also, when you schedule an appointment for a new air conditioner installation, you won’t need to worry about your system breaking down completely when you need it the most.
#5 Musty Or Moldy Smells
If there is a moldy or musty smell in your Fort Worth, TX home when your air conditioner is running, it is a very serious cause for concern.
The issue could be mold growth in the air ducts. The air ducts are dark, and it is not uncommon for moisture from the humidity to accumulate in the air ducts. Because light doesn’t shine into the air ducts, the moisture won’t dry quickly, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold. When there is mold growth in the air ducts, the spores will circulate through the air when the system is running, which can cause allergy symptoms and respiratory illness. If there is mold in the air ducts, an HVAC professional can use an antimicrobial fogger to remove the mold and prevent mold growth in the future.
If the air ducts are free of mold, you have a more serious and expensive issue on your hands. If there is mold growth inside the unit itself, it could be removed by an HVAC tech; however, if the mold growth is severe, the best course of action would be to schedule an appointment for a new air conditioner installation. The mold in the system will get into the air, putting you and your family at risk.
#6 Strange Sounds Coming From the System
If there are strange sounds coming from the air conditioner in your Forth Worth, TX home, there is an issue. If your air conditioner is functioning properly, you shouldn’t hear anything more than a low-level clicking when the system kicks on and off. Any other sounds signify an issue. There is a chance that the sound signifies an issue that could be easy to repair. For example, a banging or clanging sound could signify a loose part. However, the sounds could be telling you that it is time for a new air conditioner installation. When an air conditioner reaches its maximum lifespan, it is not uncommon for it to make strange sounds. When you call an HVAC tech, they will listen to your system and inspect it to determine if the issue can be repaired or if a new air conditioner installation would be the best solution.
#7 Moisture or Water Pooling Around the System
Moisture and water pooling around the air conditioner signify an issue. The issue could be something minor such as a broken or clogged condensate hose. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy issue to repair. If there is liquid pooling around the unit, it is likely a refrigerant leak. If you have a newer system, an HVAC tech may be able to repair the leak and refill the refrigerant.
However, if you have an older model air conditioner, you may need to schedule an appointment for a new air conditioner installation. Most older models use R-22 refrigerant. Over the past decade, the United States government began phasing out R-22 because it has been deemed toxic and harmful to the environment. When the phasing out began, it became more challenging to get R-22, and the cost of the refrigerant skyrocketed. In 2020, the U.S. government banned R-22 completely.
If you have a refrigerant leak in your older model air conditioner, the HVAC tech may be able to repair the leak, but they won’t be able to find R-22 refrigerant to refill the system with after. Your only option will be to schedule an appointment for a new air conditioner installation that doesn’t require an R-22 refrigerant.
#8 Your System Needs Frequent Repairs
If you have had an HVAC tech at your Fort Worth, TX home performing air conditioner repairs frequently, your best option is to consider a new air conditioner installation. When your system is old and ready to reach its maximum lifespan, it is not uncommon for frequent issues to occur. Each time you call an HVAC company for repair, you have to pay for the service call as well as the cost of the repair. If you need frequent repairs, the cost can really add up, and a new air conditioner repair would be more cost-effective. You won’t need to worry about frequent repair costs, and you can have a more energy-efficient system installed, which will save you money on your energy bills.
#9 Your System Needs a Very Expensive Repair
Some air conditioner repairs are relatively simple and inexpensive. However, if you have an issue with your air conditioner and the HVAC tech tells you that the cost of the repair is over half of the cost of a new system, you should consider a new air conditioner installation. This is especially true if you have an older system. There is no point in investing so much money into a system that will need to be replaced within a few years. Also, you can have an energy-efficient system installed that will save your money on your energy bills and is better for the environment.
#10 Your System Is Older Than 10 Years Old
The best reason to consider a new air conditioner is if the air conditioner in your Fort Worth, TX home is over 10 years old. Although the maximum lifespan is between 10 and 15 years, once your air conditioner reaches the 10-year mark, it won’t be as efficient as it once was. Also, frequent issues begin to arise at this time.
It is best to start saving and planning for a new air conditioner replacement when your system reaches 10 years old. It will save you money, and you won’t need to worry about a complete AC breakdown during the hottest time of the year.
Why Choose One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating Of Fort Worth?
If you are having issues with your AC and you think it is time for a new air conditioner installation, contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating Of Fort Worth. We are a full-service HVAC company that has been serving customers in the area since 1988. Over the years, we have provided our customers with excellent service; therefore, many of our customers have been loyal customers for 20 years.
We understand that a new air conditioner installation can be expensive. When you work with us, we will do our best to work within your budget. Also, our staff can give you information regarding the latest programs that can help you save money on your new air conditioner.
Our HVAC techs are NATE certified, and they must pass a background check, drug test and be certified with the state of Texas before they are hired. Our techs are also required to receive ongoing training. HVAC technology is evolving all the time, and we want our techs to know how to install and repair the newest model air conditioners and understand the technology.
Your comfort is important to use, which is why we offer emergency service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To schedule an appointment for a new air conditioner installation or any other HVAC service, give us a call today.