During the hot summer months, your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool and comfortable. Depending on how old your house is and how long you’ve lived there, there’s a chance that the unit you currently use might be outdated and inefficient, or it could be working fine, but it’s time to replace it anyway because it’s close to becoming outdated and inefficient. Here are a few signs that should tell you whether or not your air conditioner needs replacement.

You’re Paying Too Much for Electricity

If you’ve been turning the thermostat up in the summer and down in the winter to save money on your electricity bill, then it’s time to look into replacing your old air conditioner. Your unit is probably inefficient if you’re always trying to lower or raise the temperature by just a few degrees, and that type of unit wastes energy. If your utility bill is skyrocketing, then think about getting a new system before the heatwave hits this summer.

It’s Not Operating Properly

An older unit might start having problems where it fails to turn on when the temperature rises or drops too low at night. You might also have issues with moisture buildup if there are leaks in the system. These are all signs that it’s time to replace your air conditioner.

It’s Too Loud

A loud air conditioner is a sign of a problem, so if you hear excessive noise from your unit, it’s time to get it fixed or replaced. If you live in an apartment building and can hear the unit inside your apartment, it’s probably too loud for the space and should be replaced.

Bad Odors

Your house might smell like something is burning if your air conditioner has issues. If you notice a strange odor coming from the unit, it’s best to have it checked out by a professional who offers an air conditioner repair service, someone like Metro Express Service. Bad odors could also result from mold or mildew, or you could have a clogged filter.

Expensive Repairs

Bad air conditioners can be expensive to repair, so if you notice that your unit has issues, it’s best to have it replaced as soon as possible. Frequent repairs can add up to hundreds of dollars and can be a drain on your wallet.

Your AC Uses R-22 Refrigerant

If your air conditioner is using R-22 refrigerant, it means that it was designed before the EPA banned the use of the chemical in 2010. The EPA has stated that R-22 is a significant contributor to global warming and should not be used in new air conditioners.

If you’re having issues with your air conditioner and are looking for a way to fix it, then you should contact a professional HVAC technician. They will help diagnose the issue and show you how to repair or replace the unit if it’s possible, or they’ll be able to get the process started of replacing your air conditioner. Either way, it’s important to keep your air conditioning system up to date and running, especially as the weather begins to warm up in preparation for summer.