Should you actually replace air conditioner or just repair it? It may seem hard to know which is best. Find out how to recognize when you need to replace your air conditioner or when it is better to have it repaired by a professional HVAC technician. If you notice that your AC isn’t cooling or removing the humidity from your home like it used to, or if you notice some strange sounds or smells, it’s a good idea to have it checked out soon. Call an HVAC company you can trust today. Draft Control has been reliably serving the Ottawa region with air conditioning and heating repairs for more than 14 years. You can trust Draft Control to diagnose and fix any problem you might be experiencing.
“Selim was prompt, honest and worked around my schedule. Gave estimate on repair of old unit and recommendations on new units that fit well with our budget. Came in at what he quoted. Well done Draft Control. A+” -Shelley
Summer is just around the corner, and you don’t want to be caught with a broken air conditioner or one that isn’t cooling off your home like it should. If you live in Ontario, you know how quickly our weather can switch from cool to extremely hot, so now is the time to make sure that your air conditioner is ready to fight the coming heat. You don’t want to be uncomfortable in your own home.
Be sure your air conditioner is working at its best before the summer heat hits
Common Signs that You Need to Replace Air Conditioner or Repair It
1. Your Air Conditioner Is Only Blowing Warm Air:
If your air conditioner is only blowing warm air and it never blows colder air, something is wrong. It’s time to have it checked out by a professional HVAC technician.
2. You Notice Poor Air Flow:
Maybe you can feel cold air around your vents, but you don’t feel like any air is circulating through your home. This could mean that your unit’s compressor is starting to go or it could mean that you have a problem somewhere in your ductwork. It’s probably time to have it looked at by a professional.
3. You Have an Inaccurate Thermostat:
If you set your thermostat, and it doesn’t seem to make a difference in the temperature of the air there may be a problem with your thermostat. Or maybe you set it to a comfortable room temperature and the result is much colder or warmer room than you expected. You may even find that you set your thermostat to cold and the air conditioner doesn’t come on or it shuts off after a very short period of time. Because your thermostat is a very complex electrical device controlling your AC, you need to have it looked at by a trained technician if it isn’t working properly.
If your thermostat doesn’t seem to be working, contact a trained technician – Image Source: Home Depot
4. You Hear Loud or Unusual Noises Coming from Your Air Conditioner:
You know your air conditioner best. If it starts making some louder or more unusual noises than it normally does, then something may be wrong. If you notice squealing, grinding or scraping sounds coming from your air conditioner when it is operating, then there may be a belt slipping or another problem inside the unit. You should call a professional HVAC repair company immediately as it could mean that something has come loose inside, which could damage other parts as well and end up costing you more to repair.
5. Your Unit Gives off a Bad Smell:
If you notice a nasty or strong smell once you turn on your air conditioner, it’s probably time to get it checked out. A strong smell coming from your AC usually means that the wire insulation inside your unit may be burned out. If the smell is more like a musty odour, then you may have mould inside either the unit or your ductwork. Don’t fool around with mould, as exposure to it can make you and your family sick. You should call in a professional as soon as possible to diagnose and address the problem.
If your home seems to be excessively humid, then you probably should get your AC checked out
6. Your Home Is Still Very Humid:
As a resident of Ontario, you will be very familiar with the large amount of humidity that we get in the summer. One of the jobs your air conditioner is supposed to do is to reduce the humidity in your home. If your AC is running, but your house still seems to have excessive moisture in the air, then it may be time to call for a repair.
7. Moisture Leaks around Your AC Unit:
There are a couple of different things that may cause you to have moisture leaking:
a) You Notice a Refrigerant Leak: If you are leaking refrigerant, then you need to call in a professional immediately. Whether your unit uses R22 or R410a refrigerant, it is not good to be exposed to either as both are toxic. R410a is safer on the Ozone layer, but it is still harmful to people.
b) You Notice Water Leaking: You may see water leaking out of the unit onto your floor or you could see ice inside your unit on the copper refrigerant lines located outside the condenser. This could be the result of a blocked or broken tube that disposes of the condensation in your unit. This type of leak also requires the expertise of a qualified HVAC technician to repair.
If your AC unit is constantly breaking down, then it may mean that it is time to replace it
8. Your Hydro Bill Has Increased Considerably:
If you notice that your hydro bill increases suddenly and you haven’t increased your amount of AC usage, it may be an indication that your AC if not functioning properly. This could possibly be caused by leaks in your ductwork, a broken thermostat switch or simply that your unit is getting too old to work efficiently. You should get it looked at and make a decision as to whether it should be repaired or replaced.
9. Your Air Conditioner Keeps Breaking Down:
If you find that you are constantly calling for an AC repair, then it may be time to think about replacing your HVAC unit. For more detailed information about when you should replace your air conditioner, check out our article “Air conditioning Repair Embrun.”
Draft Control – You Can Trust Us to Fix It Right and Replace Your AC Only if It Is Necessary
Draft Control HVAC is a highly trusted heating and air conditioning company servicing the East Ottawa region. We have gained a reputation for honest service and advice about when to fix your air conditioner and when it’s time to replace it. Unlike other companies, we focus on our customers, what’s best for them, and their complete satisfaction, not on the brands that we sell. Whether you require installation, repair, or maintenance for your furnace, air conditioner, water heater, gas BBQ and fireplace, or boiler; Draft Control is there for you. Contact us today for all your heating and cooling needs.
“Selim came out to our place to quote a replacement air conditioner and hot water tank. He was honest, and did not try to sell us something we didn’t need…He certainly takes pride in his work, and hands down I would recommend him to anyone looking for HVAC work. Thanks Selim!” -Ryan M
Financing Available!
Great news, Draft Control now offers financing through EcoHome Financial. If you know that you need to a new air conditioner and furnace and want to replace HVAC system, but you weren’t sure how you were going to do it financially, we can help. Contact Draft Control to learn more.
We Even Offer a Military Discount!
Draft Control is proud to offer a 10% discount on select services and sales to our military personnel. Contact us today to learn more.
