5 Signs Your HVAC Won’t Survive Summer

Confronting the possibility that your cooling system may not last the season is an unpleasant proposition. When you choose replacement, you certainly want to know you’re making the right call, and that AC repair isn’t going to cut it this time. That’s what the AC contractors at BVS are covering today—follow along while we lay out the biggest warning signs that your air conditioner needs to be replaced.

You’re Repairing the Same Problems Over and Over

If you’re repairing the same problem year after year, you’re actually costing yourself more than a replacement would cost all said and done. Save yourself the money and stress and contact our contractors to discuss the potential cost/benefits of replacing your unit so you don’t have to keep paying hand over fist for airflow issues or evaporator coil repair every time summer rolls around.

Alarming Air Conditioner Noises

Though some sounds are the symptom of something minor—a worn-out fan belt or a busted bearing—just as often a loud noise indicates a failing AC compressor or another equally expensive problem. When faced with AC problems of this magnitude, it may be your best option to simply replace the air conditioner.

Parts like compressors and coils often cost nearly a third of the price of an entire cooling unit, and replacing now could save you substantially long-term, both by avoiding such an expensive repair, and through improved performance and reliability in coming years.

Cooling Costs Increase Every Year

Time, wear, and tear are the biggest things that you just can’t really prevent. Scheduling annual AC maintenance can minimize the effects of system aging, but eventually your air conditioner will begin to lose efficacy. This means the AC unit will have to work longer and harder to cool your home, which results in dramatically increased energy costs. If your cooling bills are noticeably higher this year, replacement should be on your short list.

The Air Conditioner Is Short-Cycling

HVAC short-cycling is a term used to describe a cooling unit that kicks on, operates very briefly, and then shuts off—often it does this long before your home actually gets properly cooled. There are a few, more mundane causes for short-cycling, such as AC overheating, dirty evaporator coils, and system age. However, if you’ve recently installed a new unit and are now befuddled by short-cycling, we have bad news. It’s very possible that an oversized system was installed in your home, meaning it’s far too large for your home.

Your System No Longer Gets the Job Done

Alongside efficiency, an air conditioner that is 10 years old or older will also start failing to keep your home cool and comfortable. In Albuquerque, that’s just unacceptable! If your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home and you’re always uncomfortable and hot, you’re paying a huge energy bill for nothing. In this case, it’s absolutely time to call on professionals to discuss your options for replacement.

Choose the Right HVAC Company for Your AC Replacement!

If you take anything away from this post, let it be this: AC replacement doesn’t have to be hard or stressful! It’s all about finding the right contractor. A good, dependable HVAC company will help you the whole way, providing guidance and helping you to select the system correct for your home, budget, and needs.

While seeking an AC replacement team, ask each contractor these questions:

1. Do you take the house-as-a-system approach? The air conditioner is just one of many systems that make up an “HVAC system.” Other systems include your heating equipment, ducts, vents, and any IAQ systems you have installed. Your contractor should work toward an AC replacement that takes all of this into account.
2. How will my new air conditioner be sized? A new cooling system should be sized by your contractor using what is called a Manual J load calculation to ensure the unit is properly sized and will supply adequate cooling. It’s not a good sign if they answer this question with “What size do you have now?”
3. Do you test the duct system? Healthy, leak-free ductwork is mandatory for an efficient air conditioning system. Ducts should be inspected thoroughly to ensure you get a superior installation.
4. Do you use the ACCA Quality HVAC Installation Checklist? The checklist developed by the ACCA is a great tool for organizing, selecting, researching, and ensuring you get the best new system possible.

If you’re looking for a dependable AC contractor in Albuquerque or the surrounding areas, call on BVS! Our technicians have been serving for decades, offering honest services, fair pricing, and fully customized replacement and installation services that seek to meet your unique needs above all else.

Contact us online now to schedule a consultation, or give our team a call to talk to an Albuquerque HVAC contractor today! 

Author Bio:

Ronald Via

Ronald is one of the key contributors to BVS Home Experts, a family-owned and operated full-service air conditioning and heating company serving the Katy and West Houston areas. With a deep understanding of air conditioning and heating concerns, Ronald brings a wealth of knowledge to our readers.