A malfunctioning air conditioning system can be the source of tremendous anxiety especially when your unit breaks down in the heat of summer. The difference between an AC system repair and a replacement is a significant amount of money and there are many HVAC companies that will ignore simple fixes in favor of charging you for a new unit. That’s not what we do at Ocean State and in fact, we offer maintenance plans that provide twice-annual service visits to assess the strength of your system and avoid costly repairs or new installations.

So how do you know whether you need to repair or replace your AC system? While every situation is different, there are several tell-tale factors that indicate whether your system can be repaired or should be replaced. At Ocean State, we have nearly 50 years of experience, a five-star Google rating, and eight Carrier President’s Awards under our belt and we’re confident that some of the signs/actions listed below will give you a better understanding of whether or not to replace or repair your air conditioning system.

*Note: Not all issues are the same and some of these warning signs could be indicative of larger issues. Those listed below are some of the more common signs your unit is in need of repair.

Warning Signs For AC Repairs or Replacements

Your system is emitting hot air or no air at all

This can be attributed to a number of different issues but it’s always uncomfortable! These problems can usually be attributed to either your compressor or your air ducts. Try holding your hand close to the vents to see the force for which air is being blown and if it’s cold but not forceful then you may need to call for a repair.

Your System is Making Weird Noises or It’s Emitting Strange Smells

Nobody wants their system making sounds like a haunted house or emitting noxious odors. If your system is making scraping noises then it’s possible there’s an issue with a belt or something else internally in your system. These issues are typically straightforward to diagnose and our NATE-certified technicians have seen it all when it comes to stange system noises.

A more serious problem is your system emitting a foul odor because it could be a sign of mold or mildew buildup. This can not only have an adverse effect on your system’s long-term viability but also the health of those living in your home. This can occasionally be attributed to a wiring issue within your system that will need to be addressed.

Freon Leaks

This is one of the more common issues with air conditioning systems and can usually be rectified with a quick repair by addressing a clogged drain somewhere. If you notice moisture around your system then be sure to call for a repair because it can become a much larger issue if left unaddressed.

Thermostat Issues

There are few more frustrating things than trying to operate a thermostat that just won’t do what you tell it to! The Thermostat is basically the control center for your entire system and should yours cease to work, call Ocean State’s team to diagnose and repair the issue.

High Energy Bills

It’s obviously cause for alarm if your energy bill skyrockets and most of the time the underlying issue can be diagnosed and repaired. However, if this is a recurring trend then it’s almost certainly time to replace your AC system.

Warning Signs For AC Replacement

Your System Is Over Ten Years Old

Most systems can last up to 20 years with regular maintenance, but right around year ten, compressors start to become a serious issue. The cost of replacing compressors is quite expensive without a home warranty and it may be best to just replace the system entirely.

More Frequent Issues

Frequent repair costs tend to add up and at a certain point, it just becomes putting a bandaid on a larger problem. If you continue to have issues with parts malfunctioning then it’s time to install a new AC system.

Your SEER Rating Drops Below 14

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and it helps you determine the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner. A SEER rating below 14 means that your system is not operating at maximum efficiency and therefore not sufficiently cooling your home. This can be a particular problem in older HVAC systems.

Consistent High Energy Bills

A one-off increase in your energy bill can potentially be fixed with a repair but if it’s a recurring issue then it’s likely a sign your AC system is on its last legs and in need of a repair.

Without looking at your system, we can’t say for sure whether it needs to be repaired or replaced but we wanted to give you a few warning signs that trouble may be on the way. The best way to save money and keep your system running efficiently is to have regular maintenance which is something Ocean State provides as part of our maintenance plans (save $10 here). We want you cool and comfortable this summer and our team is available 24/7 to help diagnose, repair, and replace your AC system so call today!