5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Heating and Air Conditioning System | Plano, TX

5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Heating and Air Conditioning System | Plano, TX

Photo By Sergio Monti Photography at Shutterstock

Your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is perhaps the most important investment you make for your home if you live in the Plano, TX area. With a moderate temperature year round, you need to have a well-functioning and well equipped HVAC system in your home, to make sure you don’t compromise on your comfort. It therefore makes sense for you to want the most efficient and most effective system for your home.

Unfortunately, just as any of your other home appliances, your AC system also has a service life. No matter how well-maintained your AC system is, there will come a point when it will need replacement. An old or damaged AC system implies higher electricity bills and a poorer quality of air. If you are a homeowner in the Plano, TX area, unsure of when to replace your HVAC system, below are some signs to help you decide the right time to consider a replacement:

 

Your HVAC Is More Than 15 Years Old

The Department of Energy recommends that you replace your heating and air conditioning system every 10-15 years. There are obviously slight differences in life span depending on the sort of model that you have, and the way that you treat your appliances, but in general, a heating and air conditioning system can remain efficient for a maximum of 15 years.  Even though modern AC systems are considerably durable, after 10-12 years, their parts begin to deteriorate.

Moreover, AC units that are more than 10 years old, most likely make use of a refrigerant called R-22. This type of Freon is not only obsolete but also detrimental to the environment. Replacing your old system with a new one can therefore reduce your carbon footprint and also help you cut down on your monthly energy bills.

Continuing to use an old and outdated heating and air conditioning system will not only raise your energy bills, but also imply higher repair bills. An old system is most likely to have problems functioning and you may have to get routine maintenance work done to make the system work properly.

You are also compromising on the quality of air you breathe if you continue to use an old and outdated system.

Unusual Loud Noises

A well-maintained HVAC system should operate quietly, with no obnoxious sounds or noises to bother you in the night. As your system’s individual components become older, they generally start taking out squeaky noises. Sometimes this only implies a need for repair. But if after multiple repairs, the sounds continue to persist, it might be time for you to consider a replacement. The sounds can be squealing noises, grinding sounds, loud rattling or even loud banging (an indication of a serious problem).

If you notice your HVAC system taking out strange noises any time of the day, it is advisable that you shut the system down immediately and contact a professional for help.

Strange Smells from Your AC Vent

Yet another indication that there is something seriously wrong with your system is a strange smell coming from your AC vent. If you smell something strange, make sure to investigate properly to see what could possibly be wrong with your AC system.

You should turn of your system and perhaps point a torch inside the vent to see what might be the problem. A musty odor means that mold is most likely growing inside your vent. Meanwhile, a rotten smell like that of dirty socks can indicate dirty evaporator coils or clogged condensate drain pans. A burning sot of smell indicates a mechanical problem, such as a wiring issue or an overheating motor. Similarly, a gun-powder like smell can indicate a burnt fan motor or circuit board. A sulfur-like smell can be an indication of a gas leak.

Poor Quality of Air

Plano, TX summers are hot and air conditioners are a must have. One of the biggest indicators that your system needs to be replaced is that you notice poor air quality inside your home. Poor air quality can manifest itself in various ways. Increased humidity for example is a sign of reduced air quality. Humidity can have a detrimental effect on furniture and can result in the growth of mold.

Similarly, if you have been regularly vacuuming your home and you still begin to notice an unusual dust buildup around your vents and other home services, it can indicate poor air quality.

If for example, you suddenly find yourself coughing, sneezing or suffering from hyper allergies, without any seasonal changes, you should recognize that your AC system is responsible for this.

A heating and air conditioning system, in addition to providing heating and cooling, is also supposed to provide proper ventilation. If it is no longer serving this purpose, you should realize that a replacement might be in order.

Your Home Is No Longer Comfortable

The primary purpose of your HVAC is to regulate your home’s temperature and keep it relatively consistent. An aging heating and air conditioning system will generally fail to do that. This can be due to a number of issues such as an inaccurate thermostat, clogged filters, low fluid levels, cracked ducts, or serious damage to the motors.

These temperature inconsistencies mean that your heating and air conditioning system is no longer powerful enough to supply air throughout your home. Knowing the damage that an aged AC system is causing to your home environment and still not be willing to let it go and replace it with a newer system is not at all wise. You will be left with health problems and exorbitant energy bills.

 

So if your system has been displaying any of the above mentioned signs, don’t wait for the problem to get any worse than it already has. We at one hour heating and cooling can help you improve the quality of life in your home.

If you are a homeowner in the Plano, TX area and need to replace an old or non-functional heating and air conditioning system, call us at 817-283-6911 or visit us online at onehourairftworth.com and let us replace your system for you. Remember, you come first!