Three Signs That Air Conditioner Replacement May Be Needed

Technician working on an A/C unit's fan and grate, with tools visible, by Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

When to Schedule AC Replacement 

Most homeowners don’t have much experience deciding when an air conditioner is obsolete. Besides obvious indicators to replace the AC, such as old age and an air conditioner that needs frequent repair, several other signs may indicate an air conditioner replacement is needed. Once noticed, professionals can be called to inspect the system and determine whether to replace it or not. Here are some signs that air conditioning replacement may be required. 

When the Home Isn’t Getting Cool Enough 

Year after year, the air conditioner continues to provide cooling for a home. Unfortunately, malfunctioning air conditioners may not be able to cool the space well anymore. It can be easy to chalk up a hot home to summer heat and humidity instead of recognizing that the air conditioner is failing, which is a sign that AC replacement may be needed. 

Under normal circumstances, an air conditioner should be able to keep up in the most extreme conditions. All air conditioners are sized appropriately to the home or space they are cooling so that the unit cycles a few times per hour and doesn’t run more than a few minutes. When homeowners notice the air conditioner running longer cycles and the home is still hot and muggy, it is usually a sign of a mechanical problem that may be able to be repaired. However, if the unit is aging, the most cost-effective decision could be an AC replacement. 

When Energy Bills Are Too High

Woman looking concerned while reviewing high energy bills at a desk with a laptop, reflecting on air conditioning efficiency issues and potential repair or replacement needs.A common side effect of an air conditioner that can’t keep up with the summer heat is high energy bills. As the unit runs longer cycles or works harder than normal to compensate for a problem, it uses more energy and costs more to run. This loss of efficiency is typical of machinery that is old, malfunctioning, or not well taken care of. 

Instead of paying high monthly bills and allowing the problem to worsen, homeowners should call a professional to find and fix the problem. It may require AC repair, maintenance, or a replacement to improve efficiency and lower energy costs. If an AC replacement is needed, the new air conditioner will lower monthly utility bills. 

Unusual Sounds or Smells Are Noticed 

Woman pinching her nose, expressing disgust or concern, illustrating potential unusual smells from an air conditioning system.Strange noises or smells emanating from the air conditioning system can also signal that something is wrong, and an air conditioner replacement may be necessary. A healthy, well-functioning AC system should operate relatively quietly and without emitting any unusual odors. 

Thus, unusual sounds, such as grinding, rattling, or banging, or the presence of an unpleasant burning smell, could indicate mechanical issues, electrical failures, or issues within the system. These warning signs should not be ignored, as they may point towards a malfunction that could worsen over time, leading to costly repairs or the need for a complete replacement. 

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has been serving Daytona Beach and the surrounding areas since 2002. They provide true transparency pricing, prompt and professional service, and financing options. Call them for air conditioning installation or replacement in Daytona Beach, FL

3 Signs It's Time for an AC Replacement

HVAC technician in blue uniform servicing an air conditioning unit outdoors for Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Signals Your Air Conditioner May Be Close to the End 

As the summer approaches, homeowners should prioritize the care and performance of their air conditioners. On average, an AC unit can last 10 to 20 years. Of course, that lifespan can be even shorter in areas with high temperatures because the air conditioning sees more consistent use. And homeowners shouldn’t wait until the summer to realize an AC replacement is needed. 

So, what signs should they look for to help them know when to contact professionals to diagnose an issue before it becomes an emergency? Here are three symptoms AC experts agree can be indications an air conditioner replacement may be needed. 

1. Unusual Noises and Odors

Woman reacting to unpleasant odor indoors, highlighting air conditioning issues and the importance of addressing bad smells in HVAC maintenance.It’s normal for the air conditioner to make some noise – with a subtle hum indicating the unit is on. However, homeowners should listen for warning signs as well. Grinding, screeching, and whirring can suggest something is loose, deteriorating, or damaged inside the air conditioning unit. Similarly, whirring or heavy humming could indicate that something is affecting the outside air handler, which is often most susceptible to debris like tree branches or pests. 

Additionally, smells such as burning, mold, mildew, and moisture can all signal a cause for concern. Burning or electrical smells are never good, as they could indicate a serious failure within the unit and a safety hazard, requiring replacing the air conditioner. 

2. Energy Costs Are Skyrocketing

Person calculating energy bills with a calculator, holding documents, and using a laptop, reflecting concerns about rising utility costs related to air conditioning efficiency.During the summer months, it’s normal for utility costs to rise – mainly as the unit works hard to combat the heat. However, the older the AC unit, the less efficient it generally is. Issues such as neglected maintenance or broken components within the system can also cause inefficiency and higher energy bills.   

Again, it’s normal for energy bills to rise slightly in the summer. However, for homeowners noticing massive spikes or their AC unit is constantly turning on and off, which is another problem that can cause cooling costs to rise, an air conditioner replacement may be the best option. HVAC contractors can inspect the air conditioner to determine the best solution for its condition.

3. The Home Takes Ages to Cool

One of the most noticeable signs an AC replacement may be needed is a system that takes a long time to cool due to weak airflow or a problem causing a lack of cooling. It may stem from issues such as damaged or dirty coils, low refrigerant levels, or a system that’s simply past its prime. 

The harder a system has to work to cool the home, the higher the cost to the homeowner. Similarly, this can also impact the actual airflow from the system and the temperature itself. Working with a contractor is essential for those experiencing lukewarm temperatures or rooms with little to no airflow.  

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. 

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has over two decades of experience serving their neighbors in the Daytona Beach, FL, area. They provide transparent pricing, a membership plan, and prompt and professional service. Call them today for AC installation and replacement in Daytona Beach, FL.

When is it Time for Air Duct Repair or Replacement?

Technician inspecting vehicle underside using headlamp for HVAC maintenance at Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

When is Duct Repair or Replacement Necessary?

Air ducts are often overlooked when homeowners have problems with the air conditioner. However, in many cases, ductwork may be to blame for problems with an air conditioner. Issues with inefficiencies and comfort can occasionally be traced back to ductwork.

Instead of ignoring ductwork problems and paying exorbitant cooling bills from inefficiencies, homeowners should give ductwork the attention that it needs. Here are a few ways to recognize problems in ductwork and why duct replacement is important. 

How to Tell That Air Ducts are Damaged?

Woman covering her nose with a concerned expression, indicating unpleasant odors, related to air quality issues in HVAC systems.The purpose of air ducts is to carry cooled or heated air from the HVAC unit to the rooms in a home. The key features of air ducts are that they are insulated to prevent energy losses, and they have low internal resistance to allow the free movement of air. When these features fail in ductwork, the results are: 

  • Higher Bills: When insulation in ductwork is damaged, it allows cool air to leak out of ductwork into attics or crawl spaces. These inefficiencies make the unit work harder to reach the temperature on the thermostat, accounting for higher monthly energy bills. 
  • Uncomfortable Home: Impeded airflow in ductwork prevents cooled air from reaching its destination. The result is that the back pressure causes some rooms to be cooled too much and others not enough. This leads to hot and cold spots around the home and potential humidity issues. 
  • Odors or Allergy Problems: When airflow is reduced in ductwork, dust can build up inside the ductwork. This can be controlled using a duct cleaning service. However, when the dust is allowed to build up, mold and allergens can grow in ductwork and be distributed around the home every time the system comes on. 

Reasons to Look Into Duct Replacement 

Hand inserting coin into pink piggy bank surrounded by scattered coins, symbolizing savings and financial management related to HVAC efficiency and cost savings.Most air ducts are expected to last about 10 to 15 years. If the ductwork in a home is over 15 years old, the homeowners should consider replacing them, which can save them money on energy bills.

By this time, insulation will be degraded, and rust could be forming inside the ducts. When a new, more efficient air conditioner or ducts are installed, the HVAC system won’t have to work as hard or as long to reach the desired temperature, and monthly utility bills will drop. 

For this reason, air duct replacement is recommended when the air conditioner is upgraded. This allows homeowners to pick ducts that best fit the unit and take advantage of the maximum savings when investing in a new AC system. 

Air Duct Repair 

Repairs are a good option in many cases that don’t involve the age of the air ducts. A professional HVAC contractor can remove sections of damaged air ducts and replace them as necessary in very little time at reasonable prices. 

Sections of ductwork may need to be replaced in instances like:

  • Ducts that have been crushed or bent
  • Ducts that have water damage or rust
  • Insulation that is falling off ductwork
  • Air quality problems that are limited to certain rooms

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has 20 years of experience serving the residents of Daytona Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They offer transparent pricing, on-time arrival, financing, and a membership plan. Call them today for heating and air conditioning services in Daytona Beach, FL.