10 Signs Your Air Conditioner Is Too Old

If you live in an area that experiences hot weather, then you'll surely be aware of how beneficial it can be to have air conditioning in your home. You might also know how frustrating it can be when your air conditioner isn't working properly.

As for an air conditioner's expected longevity, that depends on plenty of different factors, according to Carrier. Along with the fact that there are many different kinds of a/c units – meaning some are better than others — the lifespan of your a/c unit may rely on how well it was first installed and how well you take care of it. That's not to mention how the weather might affect the unit if it's even partially outside, as well as how much you use it and what kind of repairs you're ready and willing to pay for over time.

While Carrier also points out that decent air conditioner units should last around 15 to 20 years, some may obviously stay functional for even longer while others will break down well before. In order to figure out whether your air conditioner is getting too old, be sure to watch out for the following key signs.

When an air conditioning unit starts to get older and its system begins to struggle, it may not be able to cool a space down as much as it once could. At the same time, it might start to cool rooms down unevenly, which can create sweltering spots in your abode.

A properly working a/c unit will not only reduce the heat in your home, but it will also remove humidity, which can be just as uncomfortable. If you notice that the humidity level is starting to rise inside, then your air conditioner might be on the fritz.

Sometimes you want your air conditioner on full blast and other times you might only need it to slightly cool things down inside of your home. Either way, it's important to be able to adjust your unit as needed. When you can no longer do so, then your a/c definitely won't be as effective.

Like many other appliances around your home, you can often have your air conditioner unit repaired and parts replaced if something breaks. However, if the repairs become too costly or are becoming necessary too often, then it might be time to get an entirely new unit.

Cleaning your air conditioner may help it function better and last longer. At the same time, it might not always be possible to get rid of the grime that builds up over the years. If the a/c is visible, you may not be thrilled to have to look at a nasty unit every day.

Along with grime, rust can also end up both on and in an air conditioner. As a result, it may damage the unit. If it's a tiny rust spot, then you might be able to easily buff it away. However, if there's a lot of rust, then your a/c might be at the end of its days.

If your home seems to be dustier than usual or your allergies are acting up, then the problem might be due to your air conditioner. If the filter inside of the unit isn't working properly, it won't keep debris out of the air and might even make matters worse.

While you want your a/c unit to blow cool air into your home, you likely don't want it to fill your abode with offensive odors. Although there is a range of factors that might be the cause of the smelly air, older units can simply be more susceptible as it ages and breaks down.

Some air conditioners make more noise than others while some are practically silent. Frankly, there's a good chance that you've become accustomed to any soft humming that might be coming from your unit. However, if your a/c is getting particularly noisy, then something could be seriously wrong.

If your air conditioner is an older model, then it may not be able to compare to the eco-friendly newer options that are available and use far less energy. On top of that, as your a/c unit becomes worn, it might use up more electricity to simply keep running.