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Once considered a luxury in some parts of the world, air conditioning has become a necessity like during the hot, humid summers in Cleveland, TN. Most people would tell you the only thing they look forward to is unwinding in their cool homes at the end of the day. Those without air conditioning are just counting down the days until they can get an appointment for air conditioner installation.
If already have an air conditioning unit you may not be worried about your AC. However, you should never let your guard down, because like most pieces of machinery, AC units age and breakdown. The last thing you want to do is find yourself baking in the heat of the summer on the waitlist for a new air conditioner installation. The following are some red flags that you may be in need of a new AC unit.
Remember, it is always better to be proactive than to wait if you suspect you are having problems. A service check in Cleveland, TN is usually much less than a brand-new unit, and if it turns out you do need a new air conditioner installation, you will have time to think and budget for it instead of landing yourself in an AC emergency. Check out these signs of pending AC failure to see if you should start thinking about a new air conditioner installation.
The Air is Not Coming Out Cold
This seems like a no-brainer, but some people fail to notice that the air is coming out at room temperature for a while. Alternatively, they may think that the compressor just needs to kick in and decide to give it some more time. Either way, this is an indication that something is not right with your AC.
There are a lot of small issues that could be causing this issue from low Freon to compressor issues. If the AC hasn’t kicked back in within an hour, chances are it is not going to until you get the problem addressed. Your HVAC repairmen in Cleveland, TN should be able to remedy the situation without the new for a new air conditioner installation so there is no reason to drag your feet.
There is Leakage or Moisture Around the AC Unit
All air conditioning units will have some condensation around them, but a lot of moisture or obvious leakage is a concerning sign. If the leak is water, then it can cause damage to furniture, flooring, or surrounding storage depending on the location of your unit. Excessive water leakage that is not addressed can eventually lead to mold growth making it imperative you look at air conditioner installation.
If the leak appears to be coolant then you need to turn off your AC system and call in an expert right away. Leaking refrigerant is quite toxic and can be dangerous if left unaddressed. If you have any reason to believe its coolant turn off your unit and call an AC professional that is able to handle emergencies.
Rooms Are Not Equally Cooling
Most of the time if rooms are not cooling equally the issue is with your thermostats and not with your AC. All it takes is one thermostat to break to disrupt your system from correctly cooling every zone in your home. If the rest of the homes in your house feel cool outside of an isolated area then it’s time to look at the thermostat. However, if the thermostat is fine and the air conditioning is still cooling unevenly it may be time to consider the idea of a new and more energy efficient air conditioner installation.
Air Flow Isn’t Very Powerful
Somewhat related to the above problem, sometimes as AC units age they stop pushing air out the way that you were used too. This can be a sign that your system is starting to fail, or it may simply mean that your compressor is not functioning correctly. Sometimes it is just a damaged or blocked vent. The bad news is that compressor issues or damaged vents can be expensive depending on the extent of damage. Depending on how old your AC system is, you may want to consider if its worth it to just get an updated air conditioner installation instead of paying into an old relic.
Your AC Unit Is Old
Unfortunately, most AC units only last for about 10 to 15 years. Of course, there are outliers, especially if you have been meticulous about maintenance, but there is still only so long your system can go. If you know that you have an old AC system there is a good chance that it is going to go in the near future. Even if your old system is running, it may not be running efficiently.
A lot of positive improvements have been made to the AC industry in the last two decades. Newer models are now very energy efficient which is good for the environment and good for your wallet. If you are looking for ways to conserve energy and lower your monthly budget, a new air conditioner installation may be it.
You Hear Strange Noises
Your AC system should have a slow and steady hum to it when it is working effectively. Strange noises mean that something is wrong with the way it is functioning. Some noises such as squealing may mean that an area of the unit needs oiled, whereas other noises could mean a belt has slipped or a piece has broken. The quicker you replace or repair these components, the more money you will save because the damage will not escalate to the point where your only choice is a new air conditioner installation.
All of these signs indicate the need for AC repair if nothing else, but many can also indicate you need a new AC system. The only way to find out for sure is by calling up an HVAC expert who can come out and evaluate your system. The sooner you act the quicker you will be out of the excruciating heat in Cleveland, TN.