AC Replacement: Symptoms of a System That Needs to Go

If you're a homeowner, you don't need to be told that an air conditioning system is expensive to purchase and have installed. It is because of this expense that many homeowners wait until the last possible minute to get rid of an old one. Many owners take it upon themselves to start playing tricks on themselves. Oh, it's always been like this, they'll say. We'll just change the filters more often. These psychological tricks may work for a while, but unless you want to wake up one hot morning without any air conditioning, you need to know when it's time for full AC replacement. Here are some common symptoms to watch out for.

The Air Isn't Cool

Sometimes when an air conditioner isn't blowing out cold air, it's a sign that you need a freon recharge, which can be done for a fraction of the cost of AC replacement. However, if this is an ongoing problem, even after repeated recharges, you may need to face the fact that you need a new system. Don't kid yourself that the system was always like that. A new system should keep you ice cold if you set the thermostat low enough. If your system can no longer do that even after a full charge of freon, something is wrong.

Poor Airflow

Often, when you start getting very poor airflow from your vents, it's a sign that you could need AC replacement. This is another situation when a simple fix may be enough, though, so make sure you let a technician take a crack at it before you shell out the money for a new installation. But if you've already done that and still aren't getting a satisfactory amount of air from the vents, it could be time to bite the bullet and upgrade. In some of the warmer states, air conditioning isn't so much a luxury as it is a necessity. Don't feel as though you have to suffer to save a few bucks.

Uniform Problems

No, this isn't referring to your air conditioning system failing to tuck its shirt in. Rather, take note of whether or not you experience some of the issues with your system in all rooms in your house. If you are only experiencing a particular problem in the living room for instance, the problem could lie elsewhere. You may need better insulation or some ductwork. If, however, you have the same problems in your bedrooms and hallways, the chances increase that it is an issue with the system itself.