Your air conditioner must work optimally as another hot summer approaches to keep you and your family comfortable. However, it might be on its last legs, so you may need an air conditioning replacement in Brisbane.
Unfortunately, air conditioners don’t last forever, and you need to get them replaced at some stage. But it’s not so easy knowing when to replace your air conditioning system.
We’ll outline signs that show it’s time to replace your air conditioning unit in Brisbane. So, you can get a new system when needed.
Jump to:
Signs You Need an Air Conditioning Replacement
Ducted Air Conditioning Replacement
Split System Air Conditioning Replacement
Can I replace My Air Conditioner Myself?
Signs You Need an Air Conditioning Replacement
It’s not always clear when to replace the air conditioner in your Brisbane home or business. Look out for these signs to help you decide.
1. Leaks or Excessive Moisture
Leaks or excessive moisture can signal the need for an air conditioning replacement. Sometimes air conditioners can have a little moisture and condensation on the outside of the unit. Generally, you don’t need to be concerned about it.
However, excessive moisture is cause for concern. You should contact a professional if you notice excessive moisture on your air conditioner.
Also, leaks are a cause for concern. They typically signal a severe problem with your air conditioning system. And you could be facing a refrigerant leak, which is dangerous due to the chemicals in the refrigerant.
Always call a professional if you spot a leak in your air conditioner, who will assess the situation and advise accordingly. Not all leaks require an air conditioning replacement, but the technician will identify if that’s the case or if you only need a repair.
2. Air not Consistent With Temperature Settings
You may need to replace your air conditioning system if it’s blowing air inconsistent with the temperature setting. The unit may still be pumping air through the ducts, but if it’s not cold or hot per the settings, it might signal you need a replacement.
Inconsistent air temperatures are often a symptom of damage to internal components. Sometimes this impairment is beyond repair, and you need an air conditioning replacement.
It’s cause for concern if the air feels warm when you’ve set it to cool. Damage to the compressor is one likely culprit, which can worsen over time.
Call a professional if the air isn’t consistent with the temperature setting. A replacement may be the most cost-effective option if it’s a compressor fault.
3. Short Cycling
You might need to replace your air conditioner if it keeps short cycling. That’s when the unit switches off after running for a short time before turning on again.
Air conditioners will run in cycles to maintain the set temperature. It runs until the room is at the desired temperature, turns off, and then starts again if the room temperature rises. That’s a typical air conditioning cycle.
However, frequent stopping and starting can signal a problem. The system is malfunctioning if it’s constantly cycling on and off.
Also, that can put more stress on the air conditioner. It can break down for good if the problem persists without servicing. An air conditioning technician can diagnose the problem and advise of the best solution.
4. Reduced Airflow
Reduced airflow is often a sign you should replace your air conditioner. It leads to the unit being unable to meet the desired temperature setting. You could notice the room is still too warm when you set a cool temperature.
An obstruction can cause reduced airflow. So, it’s crucial to get that checked first before jumping to any conclusion.
However, a significant drop in airflow is a major sign the compressor is on its last legs when there aren’t any obstructions. It’s likely time for an air conditioning replacement if that’s the case.
5. Frequent Repairs
You may need to replace your air conditioning system if you start getting frequent repairs. An air conditioner needs a yearly service to run optimally. You likely need a new unit if you see your technician more than once a year.
The costs of repairs add up, so buying a replacement air conditioner can save you money. Also, the greater efficiency of a new system can save you money on energy bills.
The need for frequent repairs signals more significant problems in the future. Repairs can only do so much and won’t last forever. If components start breaking down, it could be time for a new air conditioner.
6. Odd Smells or Sounds
You should pay attention to any strange smells coming from your air conditioner. Some causes of unpleasant odours emanating from your unit include damaged insulation or mould build-up.
Both are significant problems, but mould in the system is dangerous because it can pollute the air in your home and harm you. Regularly cleaning your indoor unit can stop mould build-up. However, it might be time to replace the air conditioner if the problem is too bad.
Odd sounds also signify a problem with your air conditioner. The unit should run in near silence when there are no issues. It makes some noise as it runs through the cycles, but you get used to these.
Some problematic noises to listen for are:
- Buzzing – can indicate a malfunctioning fan motor, a faulty relay switch, or loose wiring.
- Hissing – warns of too much internal pressure, which poses dangers.
- Clanking – can signal loose components in the compressor.
Call your air conditioning technician if you hear any of these sounds.
7. Higher Energy Bills
Higher energy bills can tell you it’s time for an air conditioning replacement. Your air conditioner might be the culprit for a sudden rise in electricity costs. An inefficient unit takes more electricity to run.
The system can have a reduced cooling capacity because of low refrigerant levels, general wear and tear, or old age. These issues cause the air conditioner to work harder to keep a constant temperature. That means more electricity and higher energy bills.
It’s worth checking the system for lesser issues that can cause suboptimal performance. However, the air conditioner may need to be replaced if a technician doesn’t identify other problems.
8. Over 10 Years Old
Getting over 10 years of use from an air conditioner is excellent. However, it may now be the time to consider replacing it. It’s likely only downhill from this point on, and problems are on the horizon.
Also, newer air conditioning systems are more energy efficient and can save you money in the long run. Authorities introduced new energy standards in 2012 for many products in Australia. The latest units meet these standards, making them more energy efficient and less harmful to the environment.
You may want to replace your air conditioner to save money and help the environment.
Ducted Air Conditioning Replacement
Ducted air conditioning technology has improved significantly in the last 10 years. A ducted air conditioning replacement in Brisbane may be just what you need. According to Daikin Australia, new ducted systems can reduce running costs by 25% compared to equivalent models 10 years older.
Some features of newer models also include:
- New Daikin models have air conditioning management systems with 10 zones and individual room airflow control. Most older models only have four zones you can control.
- Custom fan settings allow you to choose between 15 options.
- They’re more compact than older models.
- Newer inverter technology reaches the desired temperature quicker and steadily maintains it without fluctuations.
- Precision airflow control means you can control how much air each room receives.
- More temperature sensors give you more control throughout the home.
Brands like Daikin also offer premium air conditioners that technicians can retrofit to existing ductwork. That causes less disruption when you get a ducted air conditioning replacement in your Brisbane home or business.
Split System Air Conditioning Replacement
A trained technician can replace split system air conditioning in Brisbane without much hassle. However, it depends on how the installer mounted the older unit.
A technician can put the new system in the same place if the position is correct. The indoor and outdoor units should be nearby with minimal wiring and piping. An installer can reuse the electrical supply if that’s the case, making the replacement less taxing.
Also, the indoor unit should be close to the ceiling with enough space on each side. It needs to be near the middle of the room as well. That helps the unit distribute air evenly and effectively.
Some benefits of newer split system air conditioners include:
- Better energy efficiency
- Lower running costs
- Easier maintenance
- Quieter
These make a split system air conditioning replacement in your Brisbane home or business worth it.
Can I Replace My Air Conditioner Myself?
No, you can’t replace an air conditioner yourself. Unless you’re a trained air conditioning technician, you should never try to perform an air conditioning replacement.
Attempting to replace an air conditioner without experience or qualifications is dangerous. It involves electrical work, which poses risks even for trained professionals.
Also, it takes knowledge and experience to choose the correct air conditioning system for your Brisbane home or business. Choosing the wrong size can cause efficiency issues and cost you money in the long run. And a technician can give you all the latest pricing, so you get the best deal.
Call the professionals when you need an air conditioning replacement in Brisbane.
Conclusion
Look for these signs to see if you need an air conditioning replacement in your Brisbane home or business. Replacing your air conditioner often saves you money in repairs and running costs. Newer models are more efficient and have better technological features.
Always call a professional, whether you’re getting a ducted air conditioning replacement or a split system air conditioning replacement. Technicians are trained to perform this dangerous work and can advise you on the best systems for your space.
