Tag: signs

Three Signs Foreshadowing an AC Replacement

How Homeowners Can Tell Their Air Conditioner May Be On Its Last Legs

Summertime has arrived, and with it comes the heat, especially in Texas. This is not the time to be dealing with faulty air conditioners. Summer without working air conditioning is dangerous in this part of the country. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are significant hazards. So now is the time to ensure that a home’s AC is working correctly so a homeowner can replace their air conditioner before the hottest part of the summer if needed. This article details indicators that a home needs air conditioning replacement.

Sign #1: Odors and Sounds

smell The air coming from the AC should smell fresh and clean. Likewise, a few relatively quiet sounds are typical for an air conditioning unit, but other sounds may require investigation from a professional. Some examples of unusual smells and sounds pointing to AC issues are included below.

  • Musty Smells: This can be a sign of mold or mildew. While this can usually be cleaned, it may indicate a larger problem with the unit not draining as it should, or there is a problem with the coils.
  • Burning Smells: Any burning or melting plastic smell is a serious issue. This can indicate an electrical problem that needs to be addressed right away.
  • Popping Sounds: This can be a problem with the heat exchanger or the coils.
  • Scratching Sounds: This can signify pests in the ducts or components that have come loose. 
  • Whistling sounds: This sound may be from an air leak.

While some of the issues that cause strange sounds and smells may not require a complete replacement, they do signal the need for an inspection where an HVAC contractor can determine whether a repair or replacement is needed.  

Sign #2: Loss of Energy Efficiency

bill As summer heats up, homeowners may notice a spike in their energy bills. While some of this increase can be attributed to running the air conditioning more frequently, it's essential to pay attention to energy bills that are higher than usual. Sometimes, a sudden surge in energy usage can signal the need for an AC replacement. 

Air conditioners can become less energy-efficient with age or if issues occur in the system, causing them to work harder and use more energy to cool the home. If homeowners are paying much more for cooling than in the past, it's worth having a professional inspect the AC unit to determine the cause of lost efficiency and see if replacement is necessary.

Sign #3: Airflow Problems

Air conditioning is a must-have for keeping homes comfortable during the hot summer months. However, if homeowners notice little air coming out of the vents or the air coming out isn't cool, it may be time to replace the AC unit. Weak airflow and uneven cooling can indicate various issues, from clogged filters to malfunctioning compressors. 

Whatever the cause, if a homeowner notices a distinct difference in airflow, it needs to be addressed by an HVAC professional who can recommend the best solution. Investing in a new, energy-efficient model can provide relief from the heat and save money on energy bills in the long run. Don't suffer through another hot summer with an old and inefficient AC unit; upgrade to a new one to enjoy a cooler, more comfortable home.

About Morrow Mechanical

Morrow Mechanical has over two decades of experience serving Spring, TX, and the surrounding areas. They provide honest pricing, same-day service, and financing. Call them today for air conditioning replacement and installation services in Spring, TX.

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What Are the Signs it's Time to Replace the Thermostat?

Signs a New Thermostat is Needed

The thermostat is the most recognizable part of the heating and air conditioning system. All it takes is one hot day to learn how to operate the thermostat in an attempt to get comfortable. In theory, thermostats will only need to be adjusted once or twice daily and will last a long time. Due to this, it can be hard to tell when the thermostat is having problems. 

The thermostat has total control over the air conditioner, so when problems arise with it, the effects can be far-reaching. Learning the signs of a faulty thermostat is important to keeping the home comfortable and cooling bills low. Here is a quick guide for the signs that a thermostat is failing to help keep homeowners comfortable and avoid additional problems. 

Higher Energy Bills for No Reason 

bill The air conditioner is the single biggest energy user in every home. Nearly 30% of electric bills can be attributed to cooling costs alone, especially in hot areas. Tracking electricity usage can reveal important information to homeowners. A spike in energy bills or higher bills than last year can signify a faulty thermostat. 

A faulty thermostat leads to higher energy bills by causing the air conditioner to work harder to maintain comfort. This extra work requires extra energy that will show up on monthly energy bills. Often, installing a new thermostat will pay for itself in energy savings if it’s the culprit of long run times and higher AC bills. 

Reading the Incorrect Temperature 

readings Thermostats are like digital thermometers. The information they get from being a thermometer they use to tell the air conditioner to cycle on and off to maintain a small temperature variation in the home. Over time, thermometers can lose their calibration and start to read slightly or largely incorrect temperatures. When a thermostat can’t read the right temperature, it is useless and needs to be replaced. 

New thermostats can more accurately control temperatures because they are more reliable thermometers. Installing a new thermostat can completely fix comfort and humidity issues in many homes. To check if the thermostat is reading incorrect temperatures, put a thermometer near the thermostat and check if they read the same temperature. 

The System is Short Cycling 

Short cycling is a process where machinery, in this case, the air conditioner, runs for a short period and then turns off, only to run again soon after. For air conditioners, this causes a lot of unnecessary starting and stopping. Starting and stopping the air conditioner is when the highest chance for damage to the system occurs. The damage can be severe and irreversible if allowed to continue for a long period. 

Short cycling is often caused by faulty thermostats that are overdue for replacement. The thermostat is to blame because it incorrectly measures the temperatures at which the air conditioner starts and stops. New, smart thermostats are more accurate and less susceptible to conditions that cause thermostats to read inaccurately. They also more tightly control the range at which the air conditioner cycles, leading to a longer-lasting air conditioner and more comfortable home. 

About Morrow Mechanical

Morrow Mechanical has over two decades of experience serving the community of Spring, TX, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, same-day service, and extended hours. Call them today for thermostat services in Spring, TX.

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