Nothing sparks fear in a homeowner like when they realize the home’s temperature is soaring when the air conditioning is on. Hands move toward the vents, only to realize that cold air isn’t blowing. Instead, the air feels warm. Something is amiss with the HVAC.
Does the lack of cold air prove it’s time to replace the system? Are repairs enough? HVAC professionals know that there are five key signs of a troubled system. However, not all these problems signal the need for a new system. Here’s what to know about the most problematic issues with the air conditioning and what they mean for the budget.
Table of Contents:
AC Not Blowing Cold Air
Low Coolant
Clogged Condenser Coil
A Broken or Failing Evaporator Coil
AC Compressor Concerns (or failure)
Unusually High Electric Bill
Noise Coming from the System
There Is a Lack of Airflow
The System Is 20+ Years Old
Problem #1: The Air Is No Longer Cool
Warm or lukewarm air flowing from vents on a hot summer day leaves many homeowners hot, bothered, and very worried. One of the most common emergency calls for HVAC repair involves the system failing to properly cool the home.
Why would the AC suddenly run hot? There are numerous underlying causes that would lead to the system failing to cool. The most common issues include:
Inadequate coolant
Clogged condenser coil
A broken or failing evaporator coil
Compressor concerns (or failure)
All of these issues can only be properly diagnosed by an HVAC professional. In addition, the price of repairing these issues varies because each issue involves different working parts of the system, impacting labor costs.
Inadequate Coolant
While the issue of low coolant might seem like an easy and cheap fix, this isn’t always the case. Low coolant levels often signal a leak, which needs to be diagnosed and repaired. The type of coolant also impacts the price.
R22 Freon Systems
Older systems use an outdated type of coolant called R22 freon. This chemical coolant is no longer in production, as it poses environmental risks. This means that supplies are limited from R22 freon, and the supply crunch increases the cost of the coolant.
Recharging the coolant level represents a per-pound cost. Systems that use R22 may require around 12 pounds of freon, priced around $90 to $250 per pound! Adding more coolant would cost, at minimum, $1,080 and could soar to around $3,000. As homeowners cannot purchase R22 and must rely on an HVAC pro for a recharge, homeowners should expect to pay around $2K (at minimum) for the additional coolant plus labor and repairs (for leaks).
Clogged Condenser Coil
Dirty and clogged condenser coils lead to inefficient cooling. The condenser’s job is to release the warm air from the coils as the coolant moves through the system. A clogged coil impacts the efficiency of the system and results in air that feels warmer.
Homeowners need to keep their systems clean. Regular maintenance appointments allow technicians to assess the system and clean the coils and other components, aiding efficiency and performance. Homeowners should schedule a service appointment for their air conditioners in the spring to prepare the system to cool effectively during the hot summer days.
A Broken or Failing Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil’s job is to cool the air in the home. These coils contain freon or other chemical refrigerants. Broken or failing evaporator coils also lead to inefficient cooling. Homeowners may notice leaks in their system.
Compressor Concerns (or Failure)
The compressor is a large component outside the home. The compressor’s role in the HVAC system is to compress the coolant that moves through the coils to cool the home. When the compressor fails, the system will not cool properly.
Problem #2: Unusually High Electric Bill
One of the most common complaints from homeowners deals with the monthly cost of cooling their home. When energy costs soar, the financial bottom line of homeowners feels strangled. What leads to higher electricity bills?
Extreme Heat
Homeowners must remember that extreme heat causes the HVAC system to work harder. While a thermostat setting of 72 may not lead to high bills when the temperature outdoors falls in the mid to high 80s, that same thermostat setting may spike costs during days that hit temperatures in the 90s.
Old or Dirty Air Filters
Dirty air filters also cause the HVAC system to work inefficiently. Homeowners must change their HVAC air filter every one to three months. Filter manufacturers include the filter longevity on the product packaging.
AC Component Issues
HVAC problems can also lead to high energy costs, as broken or malfunctioning components cause the system to work harder. If warm air flows out of the vents, the system will continue to activate to cool the home. This leads to constant HVAC use and soaring costs.
Problem #3: Noise Coming from the System
HVAC systems make distinct noises. Homeowners should hear a click when the thermostat activates the system. Then the sound of the system and airflow from the vents follow. What sounds are not normal?
Whistling
A closed vent leads to some whistling. However, other issues with the system also can lead to this noise.
Banging
Some systems are louder than others. Banging or rattling, though, is not normal. The cause of these noises could be loose parts like screws or other components.
Hissing
The snake-leaning sound means there is a leak! This is either an airflow issue or a coolant concern.
Homeowners know the sound of their system. If something seems “off,” schedule an HVAC tech from Saylors to assess the system.
Problem #4: There Is a Lack of Airflow
The telltale sign of a serious HVAC issue is a complete lack of airflow. The system is on, but no air is flowing through the vents. This problem could mean that the system has failed and needs to be replaced, but it also might be a more simplistic problem (like a broken switch).
Problem #5: The System Is 20+ Years Old
Typically, HVAC systems endure for around two decades. Older systems often require frequent repairs, which adds up over time. In addition, older systems may utilize outdated R22 freon, bumping the maintenance and repair costs even higher. A system that is more than two decades old will begin to operate less efficiently, driving up costs.
Choosing a Service: Air Conditioning Replacement or Repair?
Replacing an HVAC system is a very large expense for homeowners. Some HVAC problems are inexpensive repairs, but others may lead to much higher costs. When is the time to replace the system?
The Saylors Systems Heating and Air team helps every customer understand their options. Our team will tell you when the system simply has reached the end of its life. Our team often recommends updating outdated HVAC systems if customers are doing home renovations.
Proper and regular HVAC maintenance aids system longevity. Schedule air conditioning maintenance in spring and furnace maintenance in the fall. When problems arise, contact Saylors to diagnose the problem and recommend solutions.
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