While nothing lasts forever, few home system breakdowns are more devastating than losing your AC unit. If you suspect your AC is on the fritz, look for these signs it’s time for a replacement. Having a properly working air conditioner is important to your family’s comfort and health. And it is easily handled with regular AC maintenance service.

 Signs That You Need to Replace Your AC Unit

It’s giving off strange emissions

If your air conditioner gives off unusual smells, moisture or noise when you turn it on. It may need to repaired or replaced.

• Strange smells may be caused by a unit that hasn’t been cleaned or maintained properly, or by a filter that needs replacing.
• An unusually loud air conditioner may be a sign that the fan isn’t working properly, one of the parts inside the unit has become loose, or that an internal mechanism has become clogged with dirt.
• Depending on the type of air conditioner you have, water dripping on the outside of your unit (i.e. outside the house) may normal. However, moisture inside the house indicates that you may need to repair or replace your air conditioner.

Your AC Unit System Is More Than a Decade Old

Although air conditioning systems can last upwards of 15 to 20 years, this only holds true if the system has been properly maintained. In most situations, the average air conditioning system begins to show signs of significant wear and tear around the 10-year mark. While investing in a new air conditioning system may seem like a financial burden. If your system is in constant need of service and has hit the decade-old status, it’s time to consider upgrading. In the long run, purchasing a new air conditioning system will be a better investment for your home comfort and your wallet.

The air flow isn’t all that great

So maybe you’re getting cool air throughout your home, but you’ve noticed that your AC isn’t pushing air out the way it used to. This could mean any number of things, including issues with your AC’s compressor or blocked/damaged vents. While it’s possible to have a professional manage these repairs. They can be quite expensive depending on your system’s age and the extent of the issue. When the costs get too high. You might want to consider the cost for a new unit.