Royal Heating & Air: Signs You Need to Replace your AC Unit

Friday, April 10, 2020

How to Feel, See, Smell, and Hear HVAC Issues

Right now the temperature is bobbing back and forth between chilly low and summer-like highs, but soon summer will be in full swing, and your air conditioner will be working hard to keep the house cool and comfortable. Or will it? Could it be time to replace your air conditioning unit? Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we have the tips and information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not you need a new AC unit this season. Read on to learn more about how your senses can tell you if you need a new unit!

What You'll Feel - Bad Air Flow

If some rooms in the house have trouble keeping temperature, then it could mean your AC unit is having serious issues. If the air feels weak, warm, or completely absent, then your air conditioning unit is struggling to keep up and may need to be replaced. If you have trouble determining weather or not the temperature is different throughout the house based on feeling it yourself, there are tools that can help measure the ambient temperature coming out of the vents in your home. Pointing the detector at the vent will give you a read-out of the temperature of the air coming through it. If this number varies by more than a degree or two throughout the house, then there could be something wrong with your ductwork or the air conditioning unit itself.

What You'll See - Leaks and Moisture

Every air conditioning unit with have some kind of moisture or condensation, but it you see a lot of dripping and leaking, then it could be more than just condensation. It could be a refrigerant leak. If the Freon is leaking out of your unit, this could be very dangerous, as Freon is poisonous. If it's not a chemical, water leaking could also mean that there is a big issue with the unit. The condensation tube could be broken or leaking, causing water to run out of the unit. If you see too much moisture or a leak, call Royal Heating & Air to come check it out!

What You'll Smell - Bad Odor

Your air conditioning unit is not supposed to smell bad. If there is a bad odor coming from the unit, that could mean that there is mold growing inside the unit or ductwork. This is very unhealthy to have spreading throughout your home and in the air you breathe every day. Another bad smell that could be coming from your unit would be burning. If you sense a burnt smell, it could mean that there is something wrong with the wiring. If that is the case, call a professional HVAC company right away to come check on the unit.

What You'll Hear - Loud Noises

Air conditioning units normally make some level of noise as they kick in and cool your house. However, if you have noticed that the unit is suddenly much louder than normal, or if you hear unusual noises coming from the unit, it might be time to call your local HVAC technician to make sure everything is working properly. Noises like grinding, squeaking, and chattering are not normal and could mean there is a serious issue.

Other Important Clues:

High Energy Bills

If you have noticed that your energy bills have been increasing suddenly without using any more air conditioning than normal, it could mean that the unit's efficiency is suffering and that it's time for a replacement.

Constant Repairs

If it seems like you are constantly having to call for someone to come fix your unit, then it may mean it's time to get a new one altogether. Next time a technician comes by to fix an issue with your unit, ask their opinion on when they think it would be wise to replace the unit. It could save you money in the long-run.

Unit's Old Age

If your unit is between 15 and 20 years old, it could definitely be time for a replacement. Most units are designed to last in that range. So once it starts nearing 15 years, it might be time to consider replacing it. Particularly if you notice any of the other issues we've covered.

New AC at Lake of the Ozarks

Whether you decide to replace or repair your air conditioning unit, Royal Heating & Air is here for you. We are the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we pride ourselves on our professional, high-quality products and services. Give us a call for all your HVAC needs: 573-480-4313.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Friday, May 3, 2019

Warning Signs Your AC Unit Needs to be Replaced!

Knowing the warning signs of a failing air conditioning unit can help you determine if you should replace or repair your unit. It is all a matter of how much money you are willing to invest, and where you want that money to go. However, there are a few warning signs to indicate when it is time to stop repairing your air conditioning unit and finally replace it. Royal Heating & Air is here to help you decide if you need to replace your HVAC system or continue repairing it.

SIGNS YOU NEED TO REPLACE YOUR AC UNIT

What is the Age of Your AC Unit?

The lifespan of an AC unit is usually about 10 years, or even less. If your unit has hit its 10-year birthday, or even made it past that, it may be time to look at replacing your unit. The efficiency of your unit may have decreased significantly over time. Start tracking how often and how much you spend on repairs. If you notice your repairs are adding up, it may be time to replace the entire unit.

Are You Noticing Poor Air Flow Throughout Your Home?

If you notice that some rooms in your home are hotter than others, and some rooms in your home are colder than others, this could be a sign that your AC is experiencing issues. Lack of cool air, the unit blowing warm air, and limited airflow coming from your unit are all signs that your AC is not performing properly. If you turn on your unit and the air does not come out cold within a few minutes, it is time to get that unit looked at. These issues could be the result of clogs in your ductwork, but no matter if this is a repair or replacement issue, your AC unit still needs a check-up.

Are you Noticing Moisture or Leakage?

All AC units create moisture to some extent, but if you notice any leaking or dripping around the unit, this is a sign of a major issue with your unit. Moisture leaking around the unit could even be a refrigerant leak – Freon is poisonous, so if you notice leaking around your AC unit, get it checked by a professional right away. Even if it is not Freon leaking, water may be leaking out of the unit because the tube that disposes of condensation is blocked or broken. AC units are also made to reduce the amount of humidity in the home, so if there is noticeably more moisture throughout your home, this is a sign of an issue with your unit. You do not want to let this go, as it could eventually cause a buildup of mold or other issues within the home.

Is Your AC Unit Producing Foul Odors or Making Loud Noises?

Your AC Unit is not supposed to smell bad. If it is producing foul odors, it may mean that the wire insulation has burned out, or that there is mold somewhere in the unit or in your ductwork. Smokey or burning smells are a definite sign that you need to call a professional as soon as possible. If you have noticed that your AC is getting noisier than it used to be or if it is making grinding, squeaking, or chattering sounds, it is probably time to upgrade to a new AC unit.

Are Your Energy Bills Increasing?

A sudden increase in your energy bills (that does not correspond with the amount of air conditioning you are using) is another strong indicator that your AC unit needs repair or replacement. The cooling system may be working too hard to get the job done. Your system may not be as efficient as it was at the beginning of its life cycle. Recent advancements in HVAC technology have greatly improved energy efficiency. If your current unit 10 years old, or older, you could benefit from replacing your unit.

Does Your Unit Require Frequent Repairs?

Consider the condition of your current AC unit. How often does it require maintenance? If you are constantly repairing your unit, you should consider replacing. The cost to repair your unit may end up equaling the same as a total replacement. Next time you need a repair, ask the technician their thoughts on when a good time to replace your AC unit will be.

Replace Your AC Unit With Royal Heating & Air

There are many factors that go into your decision of repairing or replacing your air conditioning unit. Your Lake of the Ozarks’ HVAC company can help you no matter which way you decide to go. From preventative maintenance to complete installations, Royal Heating & Air can provide you with affordable, dependable, trustworthy service. The best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks services all makes and models, and offers Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems.