When Should I Replace My Air Conditioner?

air conditioning units against a building

Do I Need Air Conditioner Replacement?

It can be a challenge to know you need air conditioner replacement unless your air conditioner is not functioning. However, there are several signs you can watch out for that can indicate an air conditioner replacement is necessary from the overall age of the air conditioner unit to having major damage to your air conditioning system. If you are having problems with your air conditioner and suspect you may require air conditioner replacement, there are some signs you can watch out for that can indicate you need a new one to keep your home or building comfortable. Here are some things to watch out for to indicate you need an air conditioner replacement in Owensboro, KY. 

Why is My Air Conditioner System Leaking Water?

Your air conditioner system may be leaking water for many reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • Clogged condensate drain line: The condensate drain line is responsible for carrying water away from the air conditioner. If the drain line becomes clogged, water will back up and leak out of the unit.
  • Damaged condensate drain pan: The condensate drain pan is a small pan located at the bottom of the air conditioner. It collects water that drips from the evaporator coil. If the drain pan is damaged, it can leak water.
  • Leaking evaporator coil: The evaporator coil is a metal coil inside the air conditioner. It is responsible for cooling the air. If the evaporator coil is leaking, it can cause water to leak out of the unit.
  • Leaking condenser coil: The condenser coil is a metal coil outside the air conditioner. It is responsible for releasing heat from the air. If the condenser coil is leaking, it can cause water to leak out of the unit.

If you notice water leaking from your air conditioner, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. This is because a leaking air conditioner can damage the unit and create a safety hazard.

What Kind of Air Conditioner Maintenance is Needed to Prevent an Air Conditioner Replacement?

Many things are required to maintain your air conditioning system, all of which can help to prolong the life of your air conditioning unit. Cleaning or replacing the air conditioning filter monthly is one of the more important things you can do to keep it working properly. Along with this, having an HVAC contractor inspect and clean the condensate line regularly will help to prevent several different issues, as well as having them inspect and tighten all of the connections on the unit. Checking for refrigerant leaks annually is another thing that should be taken care of to help extend the overall lifespan of your air conditioning unit. Meanwhile, having full air conditioning service about every two to three years is an important task that can help you to find and identify many different serious issues.

Do Bigger Air Conditioning Units Perform Better?

If you are going to be getting an air conditioner replacement, one of the things you are likely to be watching out for is the type of air conditioning unit you are going to be getting. Keeping this in mind, you are likely to want to know whether a larger air conditioning unit will perform better for your home or building. 

The size of an air conditioner unit is determined by its BTU rating. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, and it is a measure of how much heat the unit can remove from a space. The larger the BTU rating, the more heat the unit can remove.

So, does a bigger air conditioner unit perform better? The answer is yes and no. A bigger air conditioner unit will be able to cool a larger space more efficiently than a smaller air conditioner unit. However, a bigger air conditioner unit will also use more energy than a smaller air conditioner unit.

If you are looking for the most efficient air conditioner unit, you should choose a unit that is the right size for your space. A unit that is too small will not be able to keep your space cool, and a unit that is too large will use more energy than necessary.

When you’re getting an air conditioner replacement in Owensboro, KY, our team can help with the process of finding the best unit for your home. Call 270-244-6486 today to learn more about our services.