Nothing feels better than a cool home on a hot summer day. If you enjoyed your AC during Illinois’ scorching summer last year, you know you don’t want to go without it ever again. But how do you know when your AC unit’s best years are behind you? Ernst Heating & Cooling of Hamel, Illinois, has more than 70 years of experience taking care of heating and cooling concerns in the Metro East area. We can help homeowners understand when it’s time to replace their AC units – and how they can get the most out of their new investments. Here are seven signs you should keep an eye out for this summer.
7 signs it’s time to replace your AC unit
The best time to replace your AC unit is before it dies and no longer brings the cool relief you crave in the summer. Most units are dropping hints that they’re getting close to the finish line. By paying close attention, you can give yourself the luxury of time to make this important decision. Keep an eye out for these signs that you need to start thinking about a replacement:
Your AC unit is more than 10 years old. Heating and cooling units have a finite lifespan. According to EnergySTAR, most heat pumps and air conditions last about 10 years, while furnaces and boilers can bring you about 15 years. Want to up your odds? Make sure you stay on top of regular tune-ups. These biannual visits will keep your system in tiptop shape and potentially add years of value. Our Ernst Comfort Plan is a great way to stay on top of regular maintenance.
You’re experiencing frequent breakdowns. Ernst Heating & Cooling loves our customers, but we understand that you don’t want to see our technicians on a regular basis. If frequent repair calls are starting to affect your household budget, consider the $5,000 rule. Multiply the estimated repair cost times the age of your unit. If it’s more than $5,000, talk to Ernst about replacement options.
You notice higher energy bills. Inflation is hitting all of us, and utility bills are no exception. But if your energy habits have stayed the same while your energy bills skyrocket, something might be going on with your air conditioner or heating system. Let Ernst come out and take a look at your system. Ideally, we can diagnose a small problem that’s easily fixed. If not, we’ll help you determine the next steps.
Your home is too hot or too cold. As your unit ages, it may struggle to stay at a consistent temperature. Sometimes that’s a sign that the system is no longer working efficiently.
You hear strange noises coming from your AC. Hearing the home comfort system kick on and off is normal. Hearing noises like bangs, grinding, whistling or grating means your system is struggling to work normally. Don’t ignore these red flags that say it’s time to call Ernst Heating & Cooling.
You notice unusual odors. Your AC might produce certain odors the first time you turn in on during the spring, as it runs air through the dust and debris that’s settled during the winter. Often a new air filter can help. But musty or rotten-egg smells can mean you’re dealing with a clogged drain pan or problems with your drainage system. Burning or melting wire smells can signify a potential hazard. Turn your system off immediately and call Ernst Heating & Cooling for service.
There’s water under the AC unit. It’s the homeowner horror story: You walk by your indoor AC unit during the summer and wind up with wet feet from the puddle that’s accumulated around it. Leaking units usually mean there’s a problem with the drain or refrigerant. If your unit is older, it may make sense to replace it instead of repairing.
Final thoughts: What do you do when it’s time to replace?
If you’re ready to upgrade your AC, Ernst Heating & Cooling is a great place to start. We can talk to you about various options and recommend the right unit for your home, your family and your budget. Ernst Heating & Cooling takes pride in our service and commitment to quality. We often have special offers that can save you some money, and we’ll help you understand if you qualify for any tax credits or rebates. We also offer convenient financing options.
If you’re ready to talk about replacing your AC, reach out to Ernst now at 618-217-1836 to schedule a free consultation. You can also request an appointment online at https://www.ernstheating.com/contact_us/. Trust Ernst with all your heating, cooling and air quality needs!