Your AC is Dying: Recognizing AC Replacement Signs 

What happens when an air conditioner dies?

AC Replacement Prior Warnings

It is very unusual for an air conditioner to fail entirely without warning. It can happen, but the more common experience is that warnings go unheeded. Here are some of the key indicators that something is wrong with an air conditioner.

• The average useful life for air conditioners ranges between 15 and 20 years. You might not know the exact age of your system, but if a system is approaching the end of its useful life, ignoring it is not a wise choice.
• Poor performance. An aging system will begin to weaken and struggle to keep up with the temperature/humidity setting. When temps rise above 100 degrees for several days in a row, an old air conditioner may not cool the home properly. The trouble might be limited to certain areas, usually spaces at the end of the ductwork runs. Another evidence of poor AC performance will be humidity that is close to the relative humidity outdoors, since a result of cooling a home is the removal of excess moisture in the air.
• Unusual smells. When an air conditioner system is failing, it is common to smell musty odors. There can be several sources for the smells, but the air being moved by the blower motor should not pick up odors from the AC components.
• New noises. Some air conditioners will run whisper quiet and some will be quite noticeable, but when a new noise develops, it is an indication of present trouble that will not go away without repair.

One or more of these indicators usually happen simultaneously.

Preliminary Steps to AC Replacement

The AC replacement processes for replacing an air conditioner are also very similar for every home; the more you know, the better you can prepare for the task.

• An AC replacement repair technician will investigate to determine whether repairs can be made, or the entire system needs to be replaced. This is a due diligence step.
• If the decision to replace is made, the technician will perform a Manual J Load Calculation to determine the proper size of the components. Sizing is determined by the square footage, the number of windows/doors, the insulation R-value, and several other factors.
• The technician will discuss levels of efficiency. Air conditioners are rated on the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating system. New systems will have a SEER rating of between 15 and 22; a high rating indicates better energy efficiency.
• The technician will also discuss system options, such as a variable speed blower and compressor motor, and UV lights installed in the ductwork to neutralize organic particles in the air (pollen, dust mites, viruses, etc.). The homeowner will be apprised of the cost for the system.
• A homeowner may need to take a day or so to secure funding for the new system.
• When an order is placed, the various components are assembled. Parts might be readily available, but shipping might take a few days.
• The installation of your new air conditioner will be worked into the installation schedule; expect installation to take one or two days for completion.

These steps might be accomplished in a few days, or if shipping is required for parts, it might take a couple of weeks to complete.

According to Murphy’s Law, an emergency replacement will happen at the beginning of a two-week heat wave. A better approach to air conditioner replacement might be to:

• Discern the age of your current system.
• Watch for warning indicators.
• Plan ahead and schedule a replacement rather than waiting for a catastrophic failure.

Your air conditioner won’t suddenly die without warning. By paying attention to key AC replacement signs like its age, poor performance, unusual smells, or new noises, you can avoid being caught off guard by a catastrophic failure during a sweltering Houston summer.

Knowing the preliminary steps to replacement—from a technician’s assessment and sizing calculations to understanding efficiency ratings and scheduling the installation—empowers you to plan proactively.

Don’t wait for your AC to completely give up; discerning these indicators and planning ahead ensures a much smoother, less stressful, and more comfortable transition to a new, efficient cooling system for your home.

As an award-winning, BBB-accredited AC Replacement League City and AC repair and maintenance contractor serving the League City and surrounding area, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service to our customers. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-338-8751 or email Doctor Cool.