5 warning signs it’s time to replace your air conditioner for stress-free and safe summer cooling

We all love the sunshine, but with warmer weather comes more home maintenance, and spotting the signs it's time to replace your air conditioner will help you enjoy a comfortable, cool home this summer.

Knowing when it's time to replace your AC system is just as important as knowing how to use it, say pros. Here, HVAC experts share their expertise on the five tell-tale signs that it's time to upgrade your air-conditioning type.

1. There is a gas line leakage

As Richard Halsall, CEO of Exhale Fans, explains, a gas line leak on your AC unit will cause the condenser to freeze up, leading you to see a serious reduction in the cooling of your air conditioner, and, therefore, a significant increase in how long it takes for an AC to cool down a room.

'You can actually feel the change when you place your hand over the register,' he says. 'This is a big warning sign that it’s time to move on, as this kind of leakage is a huge waste of energy and can result in considerably higher energy bills, not to mention expensive repairs if there is damage to surrounding areas.'

Therefore, to cut energy bills, replacing your air conditioner is recommended in this instance.

2. Bad energy efficiency

Much like in the presence of a gas line leakage, Robert Mazzacone, president at Mazzacone Plumbing and Heating, advises that, if your air conditioning unit has a low SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating compared to what's available today, you're likely paying more than you should be on your energy bills.

'Newer systems with higher SEER ratings can make a noticeable difference,' he shares, and help to keep a home cool in a heatwave, without driving up your household bills at the same time.

3. The blower fan isn't working properly

When it comes to cooling down a living room, or indeed anywhere else, the main component that pushes the cool air around the space is the fan.

Richard explains if your AC unit isn't delivering cool air with the necessary force across a room, you are likely to see the compressor usage rise.

'This is a major contributor to energy consumption,' he says. 'With this, users will have to run the AC at super cold or super high, just to feel comfortable in their own home – imagine places like Phoenix, where it's hot both during the day and night.

'A faulty blower fan will also affect the dry air that is delivered, so tackling areas with a lot of moisture will be much more challenging, making way for every homeowner’s sworn enemy, mold and mildew.'

4. Your home feels unusually humid

Your home feeling humid during warm weather is to be expected, but, as David Lewis, owner of Mission AC & Plumbing, highlights, your AC is meant to help manage humidity, not worsen it.

'If your home feels damp or muggy, especially during hot months, it means your system isn’t dehumidifying like it should,' he says. 'That’s often a sign it’s no longer operating at full capacity.'

Therefore, if you do spot any signs of high home humidity, it's well worth calling in a pro to take a look at your AC unit.

5. The heat exchanger outside is broken

Finally, if your heat exchanger outside is 'on the fritz,' your air conditioner needs replacing, warns HVAC expert Richard.

'Not only does this issue cause serious disruption to energy efficiency within the home, but it also has the potential to cause major safety hazards, such as the leaking of carbon monoxide into a home, which could leak into the air and harm those inside,' he stresses. 'If the heat exchanger was in working order, such hazards would not be an issue.'

Make sure you're aware of the smells that could be a sign of danger in your home, and, crucially, where to install carbon monoxide alarms, to protect your health and your home.

We recommend the Kidde Carbon Monoxide Alarm available at Walmart, which requires no hardwiring and features a loud, 85-decibel alarm.

Troubleshooting steps

'There are a few possible reasons your air conditioning unit may not be blowing cold air – both window ACs and central units,' says Richie Drew, vice president of operations at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. 'Sometimes, it’s as simple as just needing to adjust the thermostat setting or reprogram your smart thermostat to run your AC at different times of the day.'

However, the main thing to keep in mind, stresses Richie, is if you suspect your air conditioning unit it not functioning properly, the first thing you should do is shut it off.

'This is important because running a malfunctioning AC unit can cause further damage and potentially lead to costly repairs,' he says. In addition, if you conclude that your AC is blowing warm air due to a refrigerant leak, you should always call a trusted and professional HVAC technician to make the fix.

'Inside all those coils is refrigerant,' explains Richie. 'This chemical compound is designed to convert from a gas to a liquid and back as it absorbs heat from inside and releases it outside. This can cause your AC unit to run longer than normal, increase utility bills, the AC unit to blow warm air, and more.'

That being said, if you spot any of the other signs you need to replace your air conditioner, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot a solution before calling in a pro. Richie shares:

• Check your thermostat setting: 'Make sure your thermostat is set to cool. Sometimes someone may change the setting by accident.'
• Check your air filter: 'Dirty air filters reduce airflow, which limits the way your air is evenly distributed throughout your home.'
• Check for an obstructed condenser unit: 'The condenser unit is located outside your home. The condenser coil runs around the unit's periphery, usually protected by a removable cover or panel. It’s usually lined with thin, shiny metal fins. If these fins are blocked by dirt or grass, or covered by a tarp for protection, they can't draw in enough air, which can lead to warm air blowing into your home.'

What to shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

FAQs

What is the normal lifespan of an air conditioner?

In general, you can expect, with proper maintenance and care, that your air conditioner will last between 15 and 20 years. After that, replacement is recommended, particularly in terms of efficient cooling and lower energy bills.

Meet our experts

Richard Halsall

Richard is the CEO of Exhale Fans, the creator of the most efficient HVAC delivery system produced by the world’s only bladeless ceiling fan, designed to support the energy efficiency needs for offices, hotels, airports, data centers, restaurants, schools, homes and indoor spaces.

Robert Mazzacone

Robert is a third-generation licensed master plumber who also specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of air conditioning systems. He works with homeowners across Westchester County to keep their plumbing and HVAC systems running safely, efficiently, and up to code.

David Lewis

David is the owner of Mission AC, and a seasoned professional in the field of HVAC, plumbing and home services. With a strong educational foundation, extensive industry experience and a genuine passion for helping people, he has successfully built and managed two HVAC and plumbing companies, each dedicated to the repair, replacement and maintenance of residential and commercial facilities.

Richie Drew

In addition to his role as VP of operations, Richie is the owner of One Hour Franchise locations in Myrtle Beach SC, Charleston SC and Wilmington, NC. He has over 28 years of experience in the HVAC industry and proudly represents the third generation in his family to continue that legacy.

Have you tried eco-cooling? Whether you invest in the right window coverings or boost ventilation, these simple steps could be enough to keep your room cool, without added costs.