5 Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your HVAC System
August 11, 2021 | Cooling, Heating, Homeowner Tips
Unfortunately, HVAC systems don’t last forever. With proper maintenance and care, you can expect yours to last roughly ten years or longer before needing to be replaced. Here are five common signs that it may be time to swap out your system.
Not Heating or Cooling Properly
While this may sound like an obvious sign that something is wrong, there could be various instances to keep an eye out for. If your AC is blowing warm air, or not cooling every room in your home evenly, then it may be time to call a Mattex technician. It simply means that your system may not be as efficient as it once used to be. Similarly, if you notice that the air flow coming out of your registers is weak, that could mean a failing air handler, compressor or issues with the existing ductwork.
Lastly, it is important to be sure you have the correct size of HVAC system for your home. Our article “7 Common HVAC Myths Debunked” explains why, along with other useful tidbits! Click here to read more: https://mattexservice.com/7-common-hvac-myths-debunked/
Strange Noises or Smells
Odd noises and smells usually aren’t a good thing, so if you think something is off with your system, it probably is. If you hear any grinding or scraping noises, it could mean that a belt inside the unit is faulty. It is important to get this fixed as soon as possible to avoid additional costly repairs.
When you turn on your furnace for the first time in the winter, it’s common to notice a burning smell. This is simply just the accumulated dust burning off, which should be no cause for alarm. However, if you notice odd smells when you have your AC running, this could mean a bigger issue. For example, musty smells coming from the AC could be a sign of mold in the unit itself or the ductwork. This is a health hazard for you and your family and should be addressed immediately.
Costly Electric Bill
Is your monthly electric bill getting higher and higher without extra usage? This is another sign that your HVAC system may be nearing the end of its life span. Worn out parts in the unit require more energy to operate, which means more money out of your pocket each month. This tends to get worse and worse if left untreated, especially if you are dealing with an older system. Our professionals can diagnose the problem and give you their best recommendation.
More Dust Bunnies
Do you find yourself having to dust more and more around the house? First, check to make sure you are keeping up on changing your filters on a monthly basis. If you are, then this is another indication that your system is inefficient, and should be replaced sooner, rather than later. Older systems have a hard time filtering out dust and allergens, even with regular filter changes. A larger accumulation of dust could also point to leaky ductwork.
Leaks Around AC Unit
If there is moisture around your AC unit, this could be a dangerous problem. In less serious cases, it is just water that’s collected. This could mean a cracked tube within the system, which is less of an issue. More seriously, it could be a Freon leak. R-22, or more commonly known as Freon, is a refrigerant that recently has become illegal due to its harmful nature. This chemical was used as a coolant in older AC units, but is now being phased out. If you notice any liquid surrounding your AC unit, call Mattex at (217) 425-3527 to have one of our technicians come take a look just to be safe!
