How To Know if Your Home’s HVAC System is On Its Last Legs

How To Know if Your Home’s HVAC System is On Its Last Legs

Summer weather will be here before too long and it’s possible your cooling system might not make it through another season of  West Alabama heat. If your system made it through last summer but you noticed signs it might not make it through another one, maybe it’s time to invest in a new system. Here are some indicators that your air conditioner may be on its last legs.

Not Cooling Like It Should

Your AC system is designed to keep you cool and comfortable on the warmest days, so if it wasn’t keeping your home cool last summer there’s no reason to believe it will this year, either. There are a lot of situations where your system may stop cooling – compressor failure, a wrong calibrated thermostat, or a refrigerant leak. Depending on the issue, it may be better to stop wasting money on repairs and upkeep and invest in a newer, more energy-efficient AC – one that will keep you cool all the time.

More Frequent Repairs

If you’re requiring air conditioner repairs every summer, it may be less expensive in the long run to purchase a new system. Frequent AC repairs are a good signal that your AC is starting to die and you don’t want to be caught in the middle of summer with a sweltering hot home. With today’s new energy-efficient systems, the money you save on energy bills makes it possible for a new system to pay for itself over a period of time.

A rise in Energy Bills

If you see a hike in your energy bills that could be an indication that something is wrong. If your AC was working extreme overtime last year, it could result in you working overtime to afford it, and it might be a better decision for you to invest in a more energy-efficient air conditioner that can easily lower your peak season energy costs.

A Drop in Air Flow

If your system’s airflow isn’t as strong as it used to be, it might be a signal that your AC is on its way out. Inspect your home’s air filters to be sure they do not require replacing and, if not, call an expert to help determine the problem.

Constantly Starting Up

If your system is always running, more importantly, if it’s not producing much cool air, then you likely have a problem. It could be a problem that’s easy to resolve with a seasonal tune-up, but it could also be a signal that your system has to work extra to keep you cool and comfy and that results in wasted energy and wasted money.

Strange Noise

If your AC starts creating weird noises, there may be a problem. Higher pitched noises may mean an issue with one of the motors. Rattling noises might indicate a part is loose. Don’t take any chances. Call an HVAC technician to examine it and determine if it’s a complication worth repairing or if it will always be an ongoing issue.

Signs of Aging

Just like everything mechanical, the older something gets, the weaker it eventually gets. Does your AC cool as well as it did five years ago? Are specific rooms colder or hotter than others? Is it taking more time to get to a cool and comfortable temperature? These can be typical signs of an aging AC. 

Contact Us

If your system seemed to be floundering last year and is nearing or over 10 years in age, call Legacy Heating and Cooling at 205-364-1044 for a free in-home estimate to replace your old system. Or, you can email us at [email protected].

Legacy Heating and Cooling is a fully licensed and insured HVAC contractor having served the heating and air conditioning needs of West Alabama and the surrounding area for more than two decades.