How to know if You Should Repair or Replace Your HVAC Unit

Having trouble with your air conditioner? The weather is officially warming up, and it’s only getting hotter. That means it’s officially the time of the year when a broken (or breaking) air conditioner goes from an inconvenience to a must-fix-ASAP. If you’ve been experiencing some trouble with your AC, it can be difficult to find out what to anticipate. Are you looking at a one-off service visit, or a costly replacement? If your AC is giving you trouble, the best thing you can do to minimize damage (and expenses) is call in a professional right away. Wondering what could be the problem with your HVAC system? We’re here to help. Let’s take a closer look.

Most Common HVAC Issues: Is Yours on This List?

If you’ve landed on this article, it’s probably because you’re already experiencing some noticeable issues with your air conditioning system. If that’s the case, it’s normal to worry about what kind of service you’re going to need–and how extensive your repairs are going to be. First and foremost, let’s pinpoint the exact issue you’re experiencing and go over the most popular underlying causes for it:

Trouble turning on/off

If your air conditioner is running at inconsistent intervals, turns off completely mid-cycle, or turns on and off on its own before your thermostat reaches its desired temperature, it could be caused by a few different things. Short cycling like this can be an electrical issue, or it can be due to a clogged filter or drain. If the latter is the case, it should be a relatively easy, quick, and inexpensive fix for an experienced tech.

Rattling

If your air conditioner is unleashing a rattling sound when it’s on, the most likely underlying cause is a loose screw or part. This is something that you should address right away; a loose part isn’t serious, but it can cause worse issues if it breaks something inside your unit. To avoid injury or further damage to your unit, we highly recommend calling in a professional to take a look.

Screeching

If a screeching or screaming sound is coming from your HVAC system, it’s normal to be alarmed. Screeching is most commonly caused by high pressure in your AC’s compressor. This, unfortunately, is one of the more costly issues that can arise with an air conditioner. It’s also one of the most urgent. If you’re hearing a screeching sound when your AC is on, turn it off and call a professional right away.

Whining or Whistling

If your air conditioner is making a high-pitched whistling or whining sound, it’s a sign that there isn’t enough airflow coming through. This can be due to a variety of causes: clogged filters, pipe blockages, or blocked vents. Be sure to check all of your vents and change your air filters right away. If the noise persists, call a service technician.

Signs You Need a Repair

If you’ve had your HVAC unit for less than 10 years and it hasn’t experienced any major damage or flooding recently, the good news is that most of the issues that arise with it will likely be fixed within one or two professional service visits. Issues like inconsistency in air flow, short cycling, blockages, and loose parts can all be fixed quickly and affordably if they’re caught early.

Prevent Issues in the Future

If you want to prevent any issues from arising with your HVAC system–and ensure that any issues that do come up are dealt with promptly to minimize damage–the best thing you can do is get regular HVAC maintenance.

Maintaining your HVAC system doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive; plenty of HVAC service providers offer subscription-based maintenance plans that cover you for all of the regular service you’ll need in order to keep your unit in good shape. At Blair’s, maintenance plan subscribers get semi-annual cleanings for their unit and coils, a complete precision tune-up, and 20% discounts on repairs. If you want to be proactive about extending your air conditioner’s lifetime and saving money, a maintenance plan is going to be your best bet.

Signs It’s Time for a Replacement

HVAC replacements are frustrating and inconvenient, but they’re an unavoidable part of homeownership. If you’ve had your HVAC system for over 10 years, we recommend putting a small amount of money aside each month for an air conditioner replacement. It might be another several years until you need one, but having these rainy-day savings is a great way to prepare yourself for the expense.

What are some signs that a replacement might be needed soon? This is something that a professional can only confirm in person, but you might want to start preparing yourself if:

You’ve had multiple breakages or issues in the last couple of years
Your thermostat says one thing and your unit does another
You’re hearing a loud screeching or screaming sound (if this happens, call a tech ASAP)
Your utilities are much higher and you’ve ruled out any other appliance issues
Your unit suffered serious structural damage in a storm or accident (if this is the case, speak to your homeowners’ insurance provider to see if it’s covered under your plan)

An HVAC replacement isn’t something a homeowner wants to deal with, but if your AC is showing one or more of the above signs, we recommend calling a specialist in right away. After all, the only thing worse than having to replace your air conditioner is having to do so after several days of not having AC at all. Luckily, you have access to prompt, dedicated professionals who are here to help as quickly as possible.

If you’ve been experiencing issues with your air conditioner and are in need of HVAC service, the best thing you can do is get informed about what you can expect. Check out our AC 101 videos to learn more about what’s going on with your HVAC system.

How a New AC Unit Can Improve Air Quality

Your old AC unit may be causing more problems than you know. Put you and your family’s health first by replacing it with a new AC unit. Here’s how a new AC unit can improve air quality in your home.Combat Your Indoor PollutionDid you know that indoor air can be more...

← If You’re Looking to Install a Better Air Filtering System in Your Home, Blair’s AC is the One to Call. Here’s Why. Wondering if You Need to Replace an Air Conditioner in Clearwater? These 5 Symptoms Might Confirm It →

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Find out if your AC symptoms are standard – or if it’s time to call in a professional.

Get a Free Estimate

When it comes to your AC, preparation is key – and we want to help you be prepared without the headache. To get a free quote on your unit’s installation, reach out to us today.

Get a Free Estimate

When it comes to your AC, preparation is key – and we want to help you be prepared without the headache. To get a free quote on your unit’s installation, reach out to us today.

Satisfaction Guaranteed!

We had maintenance scheduled but upon returning to our home our upstairs unit was not working. We called Blairs and they responded asap! Scott is responsive, thorough and timely, Thank you Blair’s and Scott!!!!

Quick and professional service.
Mike took care problem and offered a better solution that cost less than expected. Personable and paid attention to detail. A/C up in running in a short period of time. 10 out of 10.

Prompt, courteous, friendly, accurate, . Arthur is the one I request each time. Arthur advises us as to only what we need/request, which is suitable to our budget/needs. As a land Developer, always will Request.

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Blair’s Air Conditioning & Heating

PO Box 17461
Clearwater, Fl 33762

Lic# CAC1815307

Phone Number:

727-572-7055

Should You Repair or Replace Your HVAC Unit? Here’s How to Find Out What Kind of HVAC Service in St. Pete You Need.

Most Common HVAC Issues: Is Yours on This List?

Trouble turning on/off

Rattling

Screeching

Whining or Whistling

Signs You Need a Repair

Prevent Issues in the Future

Signs It’s Time for a Replacement

How a New AC Unit Can Improve Air Quality

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE AIR CONDITIONER HEALTH CHECKLIST NOW

Get a Free Estimate

Get a Free Estimate

Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Where We Serve

Blair’s Air Conditioning & Heating

Phone Number:

© 2019 Blair's Air Conditioning and Heating