HVAC

September is here, but that does not mean your air conditioner is done working for the year. Across Riverside County and the Inland Empire, the heat often runs well into October.

After months of hot weather, an older AC system may start showing problems right when homeowners expect the hardest part of summer to be over. If your system is taking longer to cool the house, running more often, making unusual noises or needing another repair, there is a reason those problems are showing up now.

A Long Cooling Season Adds Up

Your air conditioner experiences normal wear every time it runs. During extended stretches of hot weather, the system cycles more often and runs longer to hold the temperature inside your home.

By the end of summer, components such as the compressor, fan motors, capacitors and electrical connections have already been through months of operation.

That does not mean a properly maintained AC should fail after a hot summer. It does mean that existing problems in an aging system become more noticeable after a season of heavy use.

Older AC Equipment Becomes Less Reliable

Age alone does not decide whether an air conditioner needs to be replaced, but it is an important factor.

Our industry recommends considering replacement when an air conditioner is more than 10 years old, needs frequent repairs or is no longer keeping every room comfortable. Rising energy bills are another sign that older cooling equipment is losing efficiency.

For homeowners with an aging system, another repair may solve the immediate problem. When repair costs start adding up, though, it is worth comparing those costs against the price and long-term benefits of AC replacement.

End-of-Summer AC Warning Signs to Watch For

Your AC does not have to stop working completely to tell you something is wrong. Pay attention if you notice:

• The system runs for long periods without reaching the thermostat setting
• Some rooms are noticeably warmer than others
• Airflow from the vents has become weaker
• The unit is turning on and off unusually often
• New rattling, buzzing, grinding or other unusual sounds appear
• Your home feels less comfortable than it did earlier in the season
• You are scheduling increasingly frequent AC repairs

Some of these issues have simple causes, such as a dirty filter or an airflow problem. Others point to a larger mechanical issue. A professional HVAC inspection can determine what is actually happening before you decide whether to repair or replace the system.

For a closer look at the signs, read our guide on whether your AC is on borrowed time.

AC Maintenance Still Matters in September

Even late in the cooling season, basic maintenance makes a difference.

Checking air filters every month is crucial during heavy-use periods because dirty filters restrict airflow and force cooling equipment to work harder. Proper airflow, correct refrigerant charge and routine equipment maintenance also affect efficiency and reliability.

If your system has not been serviced this year, an AC tune-up gives a technician the chance to inspect its condition and catch problems that may be affecting performance.

Repair Again or Start Fresh?

There is no single answer that works for every home.

A relatively young system with one repairable issue may have plenty of useful life left. An older system with repeated breakdowns, declining performance and mounting repair costs is often a better candidate for replacement.

The goal is to understand your options before an emergency AC breakdown makes the decision for you.

Thinking About Replacing Your Older AC? Ask About Our Trade-In Rebate

If your air conditioner made it through summer but you are questioning whether it will make it through another one, now is a good time to have it evaluated.

20/20 Plumbing & Heating is currently offering a trade-in rebate toward AC replacement for homeowners in Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona, Perris and the surrounding Inland Empire. Our employee-owned HVAC team can inspect your existing equipment, explain what we find and help you compare repair and replacement options without guessing.

Don’t wait for the next hot day to find out your older AC has reached its limit.

Contact 20/20 Plumbing & Heating today or call (951) 370-2220 to schedule an AC evaluation and ask about our current trade-in rebate.