Where your family’s indoor comfort is concerned, few components are as crucial as your air conditioning unit. A central air system removes excess humidity and heat from the home, purifying the air and making life more comfortable for everyone in the household. Homeowners across the country, including those in the Sacramento area, spend billions of dollars per year powering their air conditioning units.

Almost 7% of the average household’s energy usage is cooling-related, so when there’s something wrong with the AC, it can be a frustrating (and expensive) experience. Here, you’ll learn a few signs that it’s time to replace your home’s air conditioner with a newer and more reliable model.

1. Airflow Isn’t What It Should Be

If your unit isn’t putting out as much air as it should — or if it’s not blowing at all — there may be a big problem at hand. For instance, you may notice that the AC is putting out warm air. When this happens, it typically means that there’s something broken within the system, such as the compressor, the blower motor, or another important part.

Decreased airflow is another significant and worrisome issue that’s quite common among residential HVAC systems. If there’s a problem with the compressor or the ductwork, your system won’t put out enough air. Finally, if your AC is putting out foul-smelling air, seek help right away.

Strange odors often indicate serious problems, such as mold growth. Mold can affect your health and that of the entire family. Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air is here to make your Sacramento home a more comfortable place to be.

2. The System Doesn’t Respond to Input From the Thermostat

In a functional air conditioning system, the unit is controlled by the thermostat. However, if this important component doesn’t work properly, you may notice that certain parts of the home are being cooled inconsistently or not at all. The unit may cycle at random intervals or fail to come on when the home’s temperature rises above the thermostat’s setting.

Any issue with the thermostat may point to bigger problems within the HVAC system, and it requires careful evaluation by trained professionals. Call us today to get to the bottom of the matter, and get your Sacramento home feeling comfortable once more.

3. You’re Making Regular Service Calls

Although we appreciate the repeat business and always recommend regular system check-ups, if you’re calling for service often, it may make sense to replace the HVAC system in its entirety. As service calls become more commonplace and repair bills rise, your air conditioning system might be approaching the end of its useful life.

Replacing your old, run-down AC system is a cost-efficient way to minimize the risk of expensive breakdowns. Sacramento’s summer days can get quite hot, and no one wants to go without ice-cold air conditioning. Call today to give your system the attention it needs.

4. The Air Conditioning Unit Makes Strange Sounds When Used

Many of Sacramento’s homeowners find it disconcerting when their air conditioners make odd noises, and for good reason. If your HVAC unit is making scraping, squealing, screeching, or grinding noises, there’s something wrong. For instance, a belt may slip or the compressor motor may have worn bearings, which will cause serious problems.

Failing to address these issues right away may cause irreversible damage to your home’s air conditioning unit. It’s crucial to determine what’s causing these odd sounds right away to prevent a complete system failure. You also don’t want the cost and discomfort that comes with it. Whether you need seasonal maintenance or emergency AC repairs, we’re the company to call.

5. There’s a Big Leak

If there are telltale leaks around the AC unit, call us right away. These leaks arise from several causes, such as ruptured refrigerant lines and excess condensation around the unit. Both issues indicate that the HVAC system isn’t working as intended and that it may need significant repairs or full replacement. If the leak is caused by escaping refrigerant, it poses a severe health risk to your family.

Leaking water is another big risk. It often leads to the growth of mold on a home’s walls, carpeting, and wood, which can cause respiratory issues in sensitive individuals. If moisture and mold have built up around the air conditioning unit, it can bring high repair bills, even after the system itself has been replaced or repaired.

6. The System Is Past Its Prime

The average central air conditioner lasts about 15 years. If the date on the installation sticker shows that it’s older than that, consider upgrading to a newer AC unit. Like other kinds of tech, air conditioners have seen numerous advances over the past few years. Today’s systems are more efficient than ever before, which means they can keep your family comfortable while conserving energy.

However, as a unit ages, the chances of a major malfunction increase. Don’t be caught without AC during the hottest part of the year. Contact the experts at Crystal Blue for a much-needed upgrade.

7. Your Utility Bills Are Rising

If your monthly power bill is increasing but usage patterns and outdoor temperatures have stayed the same, it’s another sign of problems with your HVAC system. Numerous issues can lead these systems to operate inefficiently. Ductwork leaks are a big reason for these problems, but the true cause can only be determined via a thorough assessment of the entire system. Book your no-obligation evaluation today.

8. The Home Feels Uncomfortably Warm

Air conditioners have an important purpose: they make our homes more pleasant places to live. If your AC can’t keep the home consistently cool, indoor temperatures and humidity will rise and you’ll be uncomfortable.

When you notice that your AC unit is no longer working as intended, you have typically already experienced excess humidity. Many fail to realize that their air conditioners also keep moisture under control. When indoor humidity gets too high, it encourages the growth of mildew and mold, leading to serious air quality issues. Call us today, and breathe easier tonight.

Find an Efficient and Reliable HVAC System Replacement Today

When it’s time to repair or replace your home’s air conditioning system, you can count on our trained technicians to meet all your needs. We know just how important it is to have a functional, efficient HVAC system, and we’re focused on offering the highest level of service possible.

Our team will send an indoor comfort specialist to your home to ensure that the new unit is appropriately sized for the space. And, once we’ve chosen and installed the system, we will provide the routine maintenance needed to keep it running at peak efficiency.

Contact Us Today to Be More Comfortable Tonight

Whether you need seasonal maintenance, a new HVAC system, plumbing repairs, water softener installation, ductwork repair, or any other indoor comfort service in Sacramento, we’re here to serve you. Request more information online or call today to schedule an appointment with one of our trained, licensed, and insured technicians.