5 Ways to Know Your A/C Unit May Be Toast

Posted by Jeremy Applebaum on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 5:28 PM By Jeremy Applebaum / July 14, 2022 Comment

It's been a very hot summer thus far in Kansas City and we're all eyeing our energy bills more closely these days. Did you know the "best" temperature to set your thermostat to is 78 degrees? That should certainly help your unit work more efficiently and keep you comfortable enough inside. But if 78 degrees feels like 90, then you know you may have a problem.

Our friends at Evergy have provided us with a list of ways to know that your unit may need to replaced, not repaired. Take a look and if you fall into this category, we are more than happy to send you a couple of service provider referrals!

Stay COOL KC!

1. It's just not cutting it on these 90-100 degree days. Not much air coming through your vents? Is the air not that cool? Is your air conditioner running all day and not hitting your desired temperature? Change your filter. Check your vents for blockages. And if that doesn't work, an updated unit may be very necessary.

2. You're repairing it all the time. Repair costs add up. Look at how much you’ve spent over the last few years. Consider what you’ll pay in the future. A new unit will save you money because it runs more efficiently – and is much less likely to fail you when you need it most!

3. It literally stinks. Maybe it’s a weird smell. Maybe a strange sound. Maybe you see moisture gathering on your unit. Maybe it’s all of those things! From coolant leaks to equipment failure, these are potentially dangerous signs your air conditioner needs a vital repair or replacement.

4. It's more than 10 years old. Older air conditioners are less efficient and more prone to breakdown. And they may use R-22 (freon) as a refrigerant, which is becoming more expensive because of EPA regulations.

5. Your Energy Bills are higher and higher every year. If your bills are higher than last year – especially over the summer – your air conditioner could be the problem. Compare last year's bill to today's. Is there a dramatic difference? A new, energy-efficient unit could save you a lot of money down the road.