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Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Blog

How to Tell If You Need a New Central AC Before Summer

The summer weather will be here faster than we think. That’s a relief for those of us who love warm weather and outdoor activities. But if you have a home with an AC that’s old or unreliable, the summer weather won’t be much fun at all. 

We don’t recommend you try to push a failing central air conditioner as far as it can go until it finally breaks down. Not only will that trap you with an emergency AC situation, it will also result in expensive energy waste and poor cooling performance during those final months. It’s best to get ahead of the summer by preparing and scheduling your air conditioning installation in Baldwin County, AL with the Peaden Team. 

But how can you know you need that new central AC? We’ll look at the major warning signs:

1. Unit Age

Central air conditioning systems have an average service life of 10–15 years. If your AC is in the range, or above it, it’s a good time to consider a replacement—especially if you’re also noticing the signs below.

2. Inconsistent Cooling

If your air conditioner is struggling to maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home, it could be a sign that it’s dying. Look out for rooms that are too hot or too cold, as this may indicate an issue with your AC’s ability to distribute cool air evenly.

3. Unusual Noises

If you begin to hear loud or strange noises such as grinding, squealing, or banging, these could be signs of mechanical issues within the system. Don’t ignore these sounds, as they may mean the AC is failing.

4. Frequent Repairs

Have you found yourself calling for repairs more frequently? If so, this may be a sign that your AC is nearing the end of its lifespan. Constant repairs can become expensive, and it’s often more cost-effective to replace the system.

5. Rising Energy Bills

A rise in your energy bills without a reason can suggest your AC is losing its efficiency due to age. This spike in energy costs usually occurs in the last 1-2 years of an air conditioner’s lifespan.

6. Short-Cycling

If your air conditioner is constantly turning on and off, it’s known as short-cycling. This strains the system and prevents it from effectively cooling your home. For an older AC, this often means the unit is on the way out.

7. High Humidity

Your AC removes some moisture from the air as it runs (although it’s not a dedicated dehumidifier). If you notice high levels of humidity indoors even when the AC is running, it may not be failing.

If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, contact the Peaden Team. We’ll use our expertise to discover if your AC needs a replacement or if a repair will keep it working for a few more years. If you do need to have a new air conditioner before summer, we’ll help you find the perfect new system that will match your home’s needs and ensure you stay cool and comfortable this summer and the summers ahead.

Call today to discover The Peaden Way: Service Is Our Passion, Safety Is Our Priority, Satisfaction Is Our Promise.

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