Living in St. Johns means you get easy beach access and stunning Florida views. But it also means you’ll need a functional AC system to maintain cool and comfortable temperatures in your home when the heat cranks up. How do you know when your central AC is due for a replacement?
Keep reading to learn when you should replace HVAC system components, like an AC, in St. Johns, Florida!
Listen for Strange Noises
One of the first indications your AC unit may be nearing its end is unusual sounds or smells. Listen for telltale signs of problems, like a rattling or clunking noise. You also should listen for high-pitched squeals or squeaks.
A rattling noise could mean you have loose parts in your blower or loose screws. You also could have outdoor debris stuck in the fan. Squeals can indicate compressor problems that should be addressed right away.
Additionally, you might smell burning plastic or rotten eggs, and you should act if you do. For the latter smell, it’s best to turn off your AC unit immediately, as this could indicate a gas leak. A burning plastic smell can be indicative of problems with your unit’s electrical system.
You don’t want these sounds or smells to snowball into larger issues during the summer months. St. Johns HVAC contractors can diagnose the cause of a strange sound or smell. The problem may be a simple fix, but it could also necessitate getting a new system.
Consider Repair Frequency
Looking for other HVAC malfunction signs? If you’re calling the HVAC specialists frequently to do repairs, you may want to replace your system.
In general, you should expect to do preventative maintenance on your HVAC system at least once a year. This visit from a skilled technician can help spot small issues before they become bigger ones.
At an annual checkup, a technician will check coolant levels and clean condenser coils. They’ll also evaluate electrical and gas connections to make sure there aren’t any leaks. If you’re still having technicians in your home despite this annual HVAC servicing, start tallying up the costs.
Service calls for HVAC units can cost hundreds of dollars, if not more, over time. Further, you’re at the mercy of appointment availability. You may need to take time off from work or adjust your schedule to get an appointment quickly in St. Johns.
At a certain point, moving on to a new HVAC system is the right solution. Your technician should have a good sense of costs and be able to break down the numbers on repairs versus a full replacement.
Look at Utility Bills
If you’ve noticed your utility bills starting to go up, it’s time to call an HVAC company. Your budget will thank you! Higher monthly bills can hurt your overall financial picture if you let them go on for too long.
Higher bills usually indicate you’re working with an outdated system. You may also be experiencing leaks somewhere in your ductwork, which causes your AC to work harder.
Other potential culprits include clogged filters or thermostat problems. In any case, it’s wise to contact AC contractors to get to the root of the problem.
You may need to replace the entire system to see results. Remember that an AC unit can help control humidity, too, which is particularly important in St. Johns. If you’re staring down higher utility bills each month but not feeling the result in a comfortable indoor climate, take action.
Keep in mind that a new AC unit and lower utility bills will be a strong selling point if you’re planning to move down the road. Especially in Florida, where a functional HVAC system is essential, being able to point to a new one will help your property stand out from the crowd.
Evaluate Cooling Efficiency
Have you noticed your home feels stuffy? Reduced cooling efficiency is another one of the big HVAC replacement indicators. A system that’s failing to maintain comfortable temperatures may mean you’re due for a replacement.
At a certain point, you’ll need to decide whether repairing or replacing your AC unit makes the most sense. Reputable St. Johns HVAC contractors can help you make this decision. They’ll have the industry experience to explain the benefits of upgrading to a more energy-efficient HVAC system so you can see the savings.
They’ll also be able to make sure you get the right size AC unit for your home. An undersized unit won’t be able to provide adequate cooling without enduring extra strain. Certified technicians will guide you toward the right size, style, and features in a new AC!
Check the System’s Age
At a certain point, an HVAC system simply will reach the end of its usable lifespan. At that point, a replacement is necessary. This is true even if you’ve stayed on top of typical maintenance responsibilities.
You can try to prolong your AC unit’s life by changing air filters every month and checking for leaks. Similarly, cleaning ducts and maintaining a reasonable indoor temperature that’s not too cold can help you get more from your unit. But eventually, an AC system will need to be replaced.
HVAC lifespan is usually around 15 to 20 years. But that number will depend on the quality of the system and its installation. Further, how well the unit has been maintained can affect its longevity.
If your unit is nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s worth weighing the costs versus benefits of investing in a new system. You don’t want your AC breaking down on a hot Florida day. And if it does on a weekend or evening night, you could pay extra for after-hours servicing.
Replace HVAC System Components
Knowing when it’s time to replace HVAC systems can save you money and keep you more comfortable in St. Johns. Watch out for frequent repairs, higher utility bills, and unusual noises. And if your system is older and less efficient, it may be time to upgrade it.
At Weather Engineers, we’ve been serving Jacksonville-area residents since 1963. Our family-owned business can help with anything from AC upgrades to heat pump replacements. Contact us today to learn more!
