A good quality air conditioner can last well over 10 years before any signs of trouble. Generally speaking, a regularly serviced AC unit will last much longer than one that is not. So if you’re reading this before your unit is showing any signs of trouble, then make sure you read our essential AC maintenance guide for handy tips on how to maximise the longevity of your investment.
If you feel like your unit is simply not performing as well as it used to, then here are some tell-tale signs that it may be nearing the end of its days. If some of these symptoms ring true for you, call in a professional to see if the issue can be repaired, or consider the possibility that you might be due for a replacement unit.
Won’t Cool or Heat
Probably the most common symptoms in an older air conditioning unit is that it will no longer blow cool or warm air. It may still produce decent air flow, but the air isn’t coming out cold or hot to help you achieve your desired temperature. You can check for any signs of obvious damage like loose hoses or leaking refrigerant, but your best bet is probably going to be to call in an expert for a proper diagnosis.
Poor Air Flow
A significant decrease in air flow can mean your filter needs cleaning. Clean your filter regularly to remove dirt, dust, and ensure your unit is functioning as efficiently as possible. If poor air flow is still an issue after maintenance of the filter, contact a professional to further diagnose the problem.
Fluctuating Temperatures
Inconsistent temperatures can also be a sign of trouble. Your air conditioner is supposed to work to deliver a steady air temperature at the setting you’ve chosen. If your multi-room system can’t seem to cool or heat certain rooms, it may indicate your air conditioning unit is on the way out. If your unit is producing hot (or inconsistent) air, inspect the filters, and piping for leaks or air flow obstructions. But be prepared, a replacement unit may be on the cards.
Unusual Noises or Smells
The air conditioner can be a complicated piece of engineering. It often has plenty of moving parts and components that often create some strange sounds. Over the years you’ll come to recognise the various sounds it can make, so if the system is making a noise you don’t recognise, there could be a potential issue.
It’s the same story if an unusual smell is coming from the unit. Foul odours can indicate mould or mildew inside the ductwork. Clean your filter, and if the problem persists, contact a technician to diagnose the source of the unexpected smell or noise.
Unusually High Power Bill
Your electricity bill is never going to be the same every month. Different seasons can play a role in how much you use the air conditioner in your home, with most people experiencing a higher bill in the summer months. But if you notice you’re spending more and more at a significant rate, it’s possible your AC system could be the cause.
Experiencing an increase in your energy bill recently? Your old AC unit could be the cause.
The issue may be with the unit unable to work in an efficient manner or there could be a more complex problem that needs to be addressed. Either way, it’s best to call in an expert to check it out before you end up spending too much for too long.
If your unit is getting long in the tooth and you’re experiencing some of these symptoms it could be that you are due for a replacement unit. But it’s not all bad news. The silver lining is that air conditioner technology has likely made some significant improvements since your current purchase.
Your next AC unit may allow you to take full advantage of some more modern features. The current Panasonic range of Air Conditioners include fast heating and cooling performance, exceptional temperature stability, built-in air purification technology and smartphone monitoring with voice activated controls.
Panasonic Air Conditioners also offer excellent energy efficiency with intelligent ECONAVI sensors and the utilisation of inverter motor technology. If your existing AC unit is the cause of your high power bill, replacing it with a new Panasonic AC model sooner rather than later may save you money in the long run.
Click here for more information about our current range of single or multi-room air conditioning solutions.