How To Know Your AC Is On Its Last Leg

Fall is coming soon and your AC has survived another season of heat. But surviving this summer doesn’t guarantee it will keep its cool the next time temperatures rise. Here are some signals that your air conditioner may be on its last summer.

Not cooling your home

Your AC system is designed to keep you cool and comfortable on the warmest days, so if your system is not keeping you cool (and you’re unable to get comfortable) there’s likely a problem. There are a lot of situations where your system may quit cooling – a refrigerant leak, compressor failure, or a wrongly calibrated thermostat. Depending on the problem, it may be better to just let go of your little engine that could, and move on to a newer, more energy-efficient air conditioner – ideally one that keeps your home cool.

More Frequent Repairs

If you’re requiring air conditioning repairs every cooling season, it may be time to give it up and buy a new one. Frequent air conditioning repairs are a good signal that your air conditioning system is starting to die and you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the dog days of summer with a sweltering hot home.

Paying More in Energy Bills

If you see a jump in your HVAC bills that could be a signal that something is not right. If your air conditioner is working too much overtime, it could end up causing you to work overtime to afford it, and it may be a better decision for you to purchase a more energy-efficient air conditioning system that can easily lower your peak season utility payments.

Less Air Flow

If your air flow isn’t as powerful as it used to be, it could be a signal that your air conditioner is on its last leg. Inspect your home’s air filters to confirm they are not in need of replacing and, if not, call an expert to help find the problem.

Constantly Kicking On

If your system is continuously running, more importantly if it’s not supplying much cool air, then you likely have a problem. It may be an issue that’s easy to rectify with a seasonal tune-up, but it could also be a sign that your system has to work extra to keep your home cool and comfortable and that results in wasted energy and wasted money.

Strange Noise

If your air conditioning system starts producing strange noises, there could be a problem. Higher pitched noises may mean a problem with one of the motors. Rattling noises might indicate a part got loose. Don’t chance it. Call a professional to examine it and determine if it’s a problem worth repairing or if it will continue to be an ongoing issue.

Signs of Aging

Just like everything (and everyone), the more something has aged, the weaker it ultimately gets. Is your AC not cooling as efficiently as it did a few years ago? Are certain rooms colder or hotter than others? Is it taking longer to get your home cool? All of these are typical indicators of an aging air conditioner. If your AC is struggling and is nearing or over 10 years in age, call Stark Services and 817-668-6689 for a free in-home estimate and ask about our current discounts on energy-efficient systems.