As a business owner, you understand how important it is to keep your customers and employees comfortable. During the warmer months, that means having a reliable and effective air conditioning unit. However, like all mechanical devices, air conditioners have a limited lifespan. Here are five signs that it might be time to replace your current unit with a new one.
Your A/C Unit is More Than 10 Years Old
The average lifespan of a commercial air conditioner is between 10 and 15 years. If your unit is on the older end of that spectrum, it’s likely that it’s not running as efficiently as it once was. In fact, you might find that it’s struggling to keep up with demand, especially on particularly hot days. If that’s the case, it’s probably time to start shopping for a replacement. Make sure to have your new unit installed by a reputable contractor like Environmental Air Systems Inc.
Your Energy Bills Have Spiked
If you’ve noticed that your energy bills have increased significantly over the past few months—even if there hasn’t been a change in usage—that’s another sign that your air conditioner isn’t running as efficiently as it should be. When an AC unit begins to break down, it has to work harder to maintain the same level of cooling power, which uses more energy and drives up costs.
The Airflow Isn’t What It Used to Be
Have you noticed that the airflow from your vents isn’t as strong as it used to be? If so, that reduced airflow is likely due to an issue with the compressor or blower fan. When those components don’t work correctly, they can cause all sorts of problems, including decreased airflow.
There’s Water Pooling Around the Unit
If you see water pooling around your AC unit, that’s definitely a cause for concern. While a small amount of condensation is normal, larger amounts can indicate that the evaporator coils are frozen or that there’s an issue with the drainage system. Either way, it’s best to have a professional take a look at your unit to diagnose and resolve the problem.
The Unit is Making Strange Noises
As mechanical devices age, they often start making strange noises. If you hear hissing, grinding, or clicking coming from your AC unit, those could be signs of serious problems like refrigerant leaks or failing compressor bearings. Again, it’s best to have a professional take a look rather than trying to fix the problem yourself.
If your commercial air conditioner is more than 10 years old, if your energy bills have increased significantly, if the airflow from your vents has decreased, if you see water pooling around the unit, or if the unit is making strange noises—it might be time for a replacement! Trying to repair an old or broken AC unit can end up being more expensive in the long run than simply buying a new one. So if you’re experiencing any of these issues, contact a professional HVAC company today for assistance. They’ll help you choose the right unit for your business and budget and get it installed quickly and correctly!
