Air Conditioning Replacement: 8 Signs It’s Time For A New Unit

When temperatures soar, an air conditioner makes all the difference to your comfort. But unfortunately, all good things must come to an end eventually – including your AC system. So how do you know when it’s time for air conditioning replacement?

While you’ll get a good run out of a well-maintained air con unit, no appliance lasts forever. Below, we’ve compiled a list of signs that it might be time for a new air conditioner.

Does your air conditioning system need replacing?

1. Hot or cold air is not being blown consistent with temperature settings

Although an older unit may continue to blow air through the ducts, this air may not be consistently hot or cold in accordance with your temperature settings. If this is the case, internal components might be damaged. 

For instance, if you’ve set a cold temperature but are feeling warm air, the unit’s refrigerant levels could be low. As refrigerant draws in heat from your space to reduce its temperature, it’s possible that there’s a leak.

Inconsistent temperatures are also a warning sign of trouble to come. Do certain areas in your home feel cold, while others are warm and stuffy? This might be caused by a faulty compressor, which can be more costly to repair than replacing your unit in the long run. 

2. Leaks or excess moisture

A little moisture and condensation outside your main unit is no cause for concern with the majority of air conditioners. That said, if you spot a leak, more condensation than usual or any signs of moisture inside your home, it’s best to contact a professional as soon as possible.

Not only is it dangerous to handle electrical components near water, but you might be facing a refrigerant leak. With its harsh chemical makeup, refrigerant must only ever be dealt with by a trained professional who understands its health and safety risks.

Your expert technician will identify where the leak is coming from and advise on whether air conditioning replacement or repair is the most cost-effective solution for your situation.

3. Reduced airflow

Maybe you’ve set the thermostat to a cool, comfortable temperature but noticed that your room is still too warm. Unfortunately, this significant drop in airflow is a red flag that your AC compressor is on it’s way out. While you can inspect your AC system for possible airflow obstructions, you might find it’s simply time to invest in a replacement unit.

4. Short cycling

Perhaps you find yourself having to switch your air conditioning unit back on after it keeps turning itself off. Or maybe you’ve noticed it being quite sluggish to get started. Both are symptoms of a system that just isn’t what it used to be.

While it’s quite standard for an air conditioning system to cycle on and off as a means of maintaining a set temperature, frequent stopping and starting is often a sign of malfunction.

This short cycling will overwork your air conditioner, creating additional stress that might soon cause it to stop running for good. Avoid the trouble and call a technician to determine whether it’s a blown fuse or a faulty unit. If you find it’s the latter, a new air conditioning system might make a smart investment.

5. Odd sounds or smells

A successfully operating air conditioner should run in near silence. You’re probably used to the usual noises your unit makes as it progresses through the various cycles, so if you notice an unfamiliar sound then it’s important to take action.

While subtle differences in noise may be harmless, the below sounds suggest a serious issue with your AC compressor:

Hissing indicates too much (and potentially dangerous) internal pressure
Clanking may point to loose components within the compressor
Buzzing suggests the fan motor is malfunctioning and that there may be a faulty relay switch or detached wires

You should also be wary of any strange smells near your unit. If your AC system is emitting an unusual or unpleasant odour, it might be due to damaged insulation or dirty, mouldy ductwork – both of which are serious concerns. In particular, mould and mildew within your system can spread polluted air throughout your property and lead to significant health issues for anyone who spends time there.

6. Frequent repairs

Really, your AC generally shouldn’t need to be serviced more than once or twice a year for it to keep running in top condition.

So if your air conditioning system is giving you more concern than comfort, it might be time to trade the unnecessary stress of regular repairs for a new unit. In fact, this could end up being more cost-effective in the long run thanks to more efficient energy use!

What’s more, it’s usually the case that frequent problems only signal even more serious issues in the future. This is particularly true if your unit is out of warranty, as you’ll need to pay for these frequent repairs yourself. Avoid the hassle and consider air conditioning replacement before it’s too late.

7. Increased energy bills

In some cases, your air conditioner might seem to be working fine but your energy bill is a different story. If you’ve been hit with a sudden spike in energy costs but your supplier’s rates haven’t risen, then your air conditioning unit is likely to blame.

Whether due to low refrigerant levels, old age or general wear and tear, reduced cooling capacity brings greater energy expenses. That’s because your inefficient unit needs to grapple to deliver the target temperature.

Of course, it’s worth seeing if you replacing its filters, cleaning the vents and clearing airflow obstructions fixes the issue. However, this sapping of energy might simply be because your unit is nearing the end of its functioning days.

8. +10 years of use

In 2012, the government introduced energy efficiency standards for many products in Australia. However, if you purchased your air conditioner before this time, it’s likely that it does not meet these standards. To top it off, an older unit may also contain a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) R-22 refrigerant that harms the ozone layer.

Not only is this potentially damaging to the environment, but it also means you’ll be facing higher energy costs than those for more recent air conditioners. In other words, it might be time to consider replacing your unit.

Organise air conditioning replacement today

If you notice any of the above signs, we recommend getting in touch with a professional as soon as possible. By replacing your old unit now, you can stay comfortable all summer long with a quiet, cost-effective, energy-efficient, and hassle-free new unit.

The trusted technicians at New Age Air Conditioning are available to replace your air con unit properly and promptly. Simply give us a call on 02 4956 5888 or submit our online form for expert advice and assistance.