Top 5 Signs it's Time to Replace Your AC and Heating Systems - The Bend Magazine

Top 5 Signs it’s Time to Replace Your AC and Heating Systems

Common signs it's time to replace your AC and heating system. Plus signs you might need to call a professional.

Words and Photos by: Birdwell A/C and Heating

If you think it might be time to replace your AC and heating system, you might be right. Read through some of the tops signs it’s about that time. Plus, find out the signs indicating you might need to call a professional to help out! 

1.Abnormal noises

If you hear strange sounds, call an HVAC professional. It might be a small fix that prevents large repairs down the road. You can typically hear your air conditioning unit kick on and you might hear some airflow, but the sounds aren’t usually loud or odd. If you hear strange sounds, like a grinding, grating, or squealing noise, there is probably something wrong.

2. Strange smells

Your air conditioner shouldn’t be emitting any smells, so if you smell something strange, it likely indicates a problem. Any burnt rubber or electrical smells are not normal. A rotten egg smell could be the result of a natural gas leak, which can be dangerous if left unattended. 

An electrical or burning smell could be the result of the motor or other electrical equipment overheating. An electrical fire could cause a lot of damage. Finally, a musty smell could be the result of mold or moisture build-up in the ducts. If the ducts are clogged, moisture collects and causes mold and mildew.

3. Blowing warm air

If your unit is blowing air that isn’t cold, it could be a problem with the thermostat or the result if a refrigerant leak. If the air isn’t cold and rooms aren’t being cooled, check the thermostat to make sure it is working properly and set on the correct temperature. If everything is working with your thermostat, you might have a refrigerant leak that will need to be addressed by an HVAC professional. 

4. Less Air flow

Low or weak airflow could be the result of a number of different issues. The simplest one is a dirty or clogged air filter. Change your air filter regularly especially if the air conditioning runs often.

It could also be due to air ducts that aren’t properly sealed or cleaned or a fan motor failure. These issues will need to be handled by the professionals and can often be avoided by routine maintenance.

 

5. More than 10 years old

Unfortunately, air conditioners don’t last forever. The average lifespan of an air conditioning unit is about 10-15 years. That can be greatly impacted by how often it’s used too, which is especially relevant in a warm-weather climate like Corpus Christi Texas. If your AC/Heating System is up there in years, it might be time to consider replacing it before it goes out completely in the dead of summer when replacement units are at their highest prices.

Birdwell Air Conditioning is in the business of providing top-notch service at the most affordable prices around. Our reviews speak for themselves. If you are dealing with any of these issues, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 361-452-2018. See our ad in the Bend Magazine.