Texas air conditioning has always been a must. With summer highs in the 90s, we’ve got to beat the heat when we’re indoors!
Earlier this year, it was reported that Central Texas is going to start experiencing even hotter summers in the years to come. To get through it, we’re all going to need a working air conditioning unit.
How can you tell if it’s time to replace your air conditioning unit? The earlier you catch the signs, the better off you’ll be.
Read on for five signs that it’s time to replace your AC in Central Texas.
1. Your Utility Bills Are Skyrocketing
Not everything should be bigger in Texas, and that includes your utility bills. If you are starting to notice what seems to be hefty utility bills, it’s time to make a little comparison. Take a look at utility bills in previous summers and if this year’s bills are higher, you likely have a problem with your air conditioning unit.
When air conditioning units are broken or old, they stop working efficiently. That means that they are going to start using more energy to perform the same job as before–or in most cases, a worse job than before.
Don’t run up your utility bills this summer because of an old AC unit. It’s time for a replacement.
2. Your Air Conditioning Unit Is Breaking Down More Often
Maintaining your air conditioning unit is a great way to get the longest lifespan out of it. Having the ducts cleaned, replacing the filters, and having a professional replace broken parts is something you should count on doing over the years. However, dealing with repairs isn’t something you should have to do more than once a year.
If you’re calling us frequently to fix your air conditioning unit, we’ll be the first to tell you: it’s a waste of money. At some point, you’ll end up spending more on maintenance than you would on a whole new unit. At that point, it’s time to replace the whole kit and kaboodle, rather than just a part or two.
3. You Can’t Seem to Set an Indoor Temperature and Keep It
Naturally, the whole point of having an air conditioning unit is to create indoor climate control. A functioning air conditioning unit will allow you to set the thermostat to your desired temperature and bring every room to that temperature.
If you’re starting to notice issues with your air conditioning unit’s ability to control your indoor climate, it’s a sign that something is wrong. You may notice that:
- No room in the house ever reaches the desired temperature
- Certain rooms feel much hotter or colder than other rooms
- The temperature is alright but the air quality is poor due to dust and debris
In some cases, this could be a sign that basic repairs are in order. However, after making an inspection of your HVAC system and ductwork, we’ll be able to tell you if repairs will do the trick or if it’s time for a new air conditioning unit.
4. Your Air Conditioning Unit Won’t Turn On at All
This one may seem obvious, but it is still worth mentioning. Let’s say you’ve turned on your air conditioning unit but at some point, it turned itself back off and won’t turn on. Maybe you’re trying to turn it on for the first time this season but to no avail.
If your air conditioning unit won’t turn on at all, it may be a sign that you need to replace it. Because this is a common way that air conditioners finally peter out, we always recommend testing out your unit before you absolutely need it. In other words, you’ll want to try using your air conditioning unit sometime in the spring so that you have ample time to repair or replace it before things heat up for the summer.
(When testing your unit, turn it on to the “cool” setting and make sure the fan setting is on, as well. Then, go around the house and place a hand over your vents. Make sure that they’re actually emitting cool air, as warm air can also be a sign that you need repairs.)
5. Your Air Conditioning Unit Is More Than 15 Years Old
You’ll see a lot of information out there saying that your air conditioning unit can last up to 25 years. The reality is that newer models very well can last that long, but older models simply aren’t built for that. If you have an older Texas air conditioning unit, it’s best to anticipate a lifespan closer to 12 to 15 years.
After that 15-year mark, older models aren’t going to be working to the best of their ability. In fact, they’re not going to compare well to the air conditioning units that are being manufactured today, especially in regard to energy efficiency. Once your AC unit hits the 15-year mark, it’s best to upgrade to something that works better and will help you save money on your monthly energy bill, rather than trying to get more out of an old machine.
Texas Air Conditioning Problems? Give Us a Call
Texas air conditioning is no joke! As our already hot state gets hotter each summer, it’s becoming more and more crucial that your air conditioning unit is prepared for the heat. That’s where we come in.
At Schneider Mechanical HVAC, our goal is to provide top-notch HVAC services to all Central Texas residents. Whether you need an inspection, a repair, or a replacement, we’re here to take care of it. Contact us today to find out about our services, pricing, financing, and more.
