7 Signs Your Home Needs a New AC System - Guy's AC & Heating

The average lifespan of an AC unit is roughly 20 years, give or take 5, depending on its maintenance. AC units aren’t meant to last forever and they often come with warning signs before fully going out. If you notice any of the following things happening to your AC, it may be time to consider getting a replacement. Continue reading to discover the most common signs that you need a new AC system in your home!

1. Weird Noises

If you are hearing unusual and weird noises from your AC unit, it may be time to get a new AC system.

Sometimes you can hear a sharp hissing sound, crackling, and whining. Chances are, if you hear your AC unit and you normally don’t, it’s dealing with some issues. Most of these problems can be fixed by a technician and don’t get too costly.

Avoid waiting to fix these problems with sound, though, because something may have come loose or fallen out. Grinding and rattling are often the noises that you will hear if this is the case.

2. Leaking Water

Condensation is a normal occurrence with a properly working AC unit but there comes a point when it can be serious.

Air conditioning units use refrigerants to keep your home at a cool temperature. Refrigerant should not leak and if you notice that it is more than just condensation, seek help from a technician.

Take a peek around your AC unit and look for any water that has pooled up and collected. These leaks can damage your home fast and lead to mold if left untreated.

3. Odd Smells

One of the scariest things that can happen is that you wake up to some strange smell and don’t know what it is or where it’s coming from.

Strange smells can be concerning because it may mean that toxins and pollutants are getting inside. When you approach your AC unit to uncover the smell, make sure that you are fully protected with gloves and a mask. This will prevent injury and exposure to harmful materials.

If you think that you have a leak of some sort and smell strange things, get ahold of our emergency services to get it looked at immediately.

Another reason that you should be cautious of strange smells is that it likely means there is mold growing somewhere. Mold can cause a lot of issues if left untreated, so don’t overlook it!

4. Humid Inside

Did you know that it is best to keep your levels at 30-50% humidity in the home?

Although humidity is often the culprit of frizzy hair days and feeling sticky, it is needed. Humidity can help prevent your skin from drying out and bloody noses from occurring.

A properly working AC unit should keep your home comfortable and be regularly maintained. Too much humidity inside can grow mold, which leads to even worse problems. Warm and cool air make the situation much worse and can emit toxins in the air.

Check the bathroom, kitchen, and other rooms that tend to get humid to make sure that growth isn’t already happening.

5. Too Many Cycles

A well-working AC unit typically gets into a routine and only comes on when it reaches a certain setting.

If you are noticing your unit turn on for a moment, just to turn it on again and keep turning it off, it may be time for a replacement. Many times that people experience this is when they have the wrong size unit or it is being over.

If your system keeps unnecessarily kicking on, contact our cooling services to get the problem fixed right away!

Short cycles are common during hot summer days when the AC unit can’t keep up. The downside of having an infrequent system is that it can reflect on your monthly bill and cost you more.

6. Warm Air

Have you recently walked by the air vent and noticed that warmer air was being pushed out, and not cooler air? If so, it’s time to consider looking at buying new AC units.

Warm air is never a good sign when it comes to your AC unit and should be addressed quickly. Another way to monitor if your airflow is cool or not is to check your thermostat for the temperature.

Always make sure that when the AC unit is running, your thermostat is set to cooling mode. Restricted airflow is often the culprit of warm air getting pushed out and can easily be fixed by a technician.

Another reason that you may be experiencing warmer air is that the compressor is struggling to work and needs maintenance.

7. Not Enough Airflow

When you walk around the house, does each room seem to have its own temperature?

Uneven airflow is often the sign of a broken or damaged AC unit and can fluctuate the temperatures inside. Many people hope that they can repair their units, but lack of airflow is almost always the sign for a new unit. If the performance is being hindered, it is likely due to worn materials and an inability to keep up.

Another reason that your AC unit might not be able to keep up with all of the rooms is that something is blocking the air from moving. A clogged air filter can quickly become a problem, so make sure it is changed out frequently.

One of the biggest flags that you have a lack of airflow is if you notice stale air with a strange scent.

Does Your Home Need a New AC System?

It may be time for a new AC system if you are noticing any of the issues mentioned above.

Many things can go wrong with an air conditioning unit, making it difficult to determine how serious the issue is. By utilizing this guide, you can prevent mold and toxins from entering your home and lungs.

Don’t hesitate to get your AC unit looked at—a small fix could save you a lot of money in the end.

Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about our air conditioning services in The Woodlands and New Caney, Texas to help keep you comfortable!