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Key Signs that your AC is on the Decline

Thanks to air conditioners, the summer season becomes a little bit more bearable for everyone. But before summer arrives, you have to determine if your AC has still got your back — or if it’s already on the decline. Otherwise, you could be subjecting yourself to sweltering temperatures and sleepless, sticky nights.

The average lifespan of an AC is 15 to 20 years. If your AC has been around forever and is no longer working the way it used to or is in need of way too many repairs, this could be a sign that it needs a replacement. Napoleon’s HVAC systems offer 100% cool air conditioning units perfect for any home – but first, read on to find out more about the five key signs that your AC is on the decline.

 

The AC Isn't as Cool as it Used to Be

If you’ve just recharged your AC’s refrigerant and it’s still struggling to keep your house cool, this could be an indication of a bigger problem. Often, a cracked refrigerant line or a failing compressor is the culprit.

Refrigerant lines connect the indoor evaporator coil to the heat pump. When the vapor line that carries the cool gas gets cracked, this will prevent your AC from releasing cool air. On the other hand, the compressor is the part that’s responsible for “compressing” the AC’s refrigerant so it can expel warm air outside. If your air conditioner is working but not cooling, this could be the part that’s causing the problem. Once this component starts to give up, your home will end up retaining all the warm air inside.

Since both these components are quite pricey to replace, the most cost-efficient option would probably be to invest your money in a brand new unit instead.

 

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Reduced Airflow

Reduced airflow is often caused by blocked ducts or dirty filters. If both of these have recently been cleaned, you can eliminate them as causes. The next culprit in line for why your AC is not working could be a damaged blower fan.

Sometimes blower fans just need to be cleaned or re-balanced. If your AC is still not working after these repairs, it could mean that there’s a problem with its motor.

 

Odd Noises

Is your AC noisier than usual? Does it make strange rattling, clicking, or shaking sounds? This could mean your AC is on the decline.

A noisy operation is usually caused by a part that has become dislodged or a failing electrical component. If not attended to immediately, this could put a strain on its integral parts and result in a damaged compressor — and an expensive repair bill.

If too many parts are starting to fail and cause odd noises, it might be time to say goodbye to your AC. The amount spent on repairs could already be used to purchase a new and more reliable unit.

 

Strange Odors

Strange odors are never a good sign. If your AC is starting to produce air that smells a little bit off, this could mean that there’s mildew or fungus growing inside your AC. Not only could this be a sign that your AC is on the decline, but it could end up being a huge health hazard. Usually, the source of this smell is a dirty AC evaporator coil, which becomes a breeding ground for mildew and fungus.

Sometimes AC units on the decline produce a burning or engine exhaust-like smell. Typically, this is caused by an overheating unit or a fluid leak.

A weird smell is a huge sign that your AC is not working properly. As soon as you sense that something’s off, it’s important to turn the unit off right away. Call a technician to take a look at it as soon as possible to know if you need to replace your old unit.

 

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Sudden Rise in Electricity Bills

An AC that is not working properly could contribute to a shockingly high electricity bill. This is because your unit is working extra hard and using more electricity to get the job done. Older air conditioners or those with malfunctioning components are usually the cause of this spike.

If your AC consumes more electricity despite consistent hours of usage, this could be a sign that it’s in need of repairs or a replacement.

 

Be Summer Ready with A Shiny New AC

Air conditioners are our savior during the summer season. To ensure that they last longer, it’s important to maintain them with regular cleaning and technician check-ups. However, sometimes these trusty appliances just really reach the end of their road. Instead of spending a huge amount on repairs for an AC that’s not working or being stressed about figuring out how to fix an air conditioner, sometimes it might be best to start looking for a replacement that can efficiently get you through all the summers ahead.

With Napoleon’s top-tier air conditioners, you can be summer-ready with a shiny new unit that’s reliable and durable. Learn more about their products and how you can stay cool this season.

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