Summers in Florida can get pretty extreme, and it’s important to do what you can to stay cool when the temperature rises.

A reliable HVAC system can keep your home cool, and while many homes already have one, a lot of these are suffering issues.

HVAC systems degrade and break down with time. Small issues may not be obvious at first, but if they’re not dealt with quickly, they can grow into much larger problems. Spotting the signs of failure early on can help you save money and keep your home cool at all times.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the key indicators that show your mini split system needs to be replaced in Cape Coral, FL. Keep reading for more.

Frequent Breakdowns

One of the most obvious signs that you need an air conditioning replacement is constant breakdowns. This doesn’t just apply to mini split systems, but any HVAC system.

As it ages, parts will wear down and become more likely to fail. This can lead to continuous breakdowns, requiring a lot of repairs. While it’s typically cheaper to repair or replace parts than to replace the whole system, if you’re doing this too often, it may not be worth it.

When repair costs keep adding up, it could be more cost-effective to replace the whole system. A new system will be in much better shape, so you shouldn’t have to worry about any major maintenance costs for a while. This can save you money in the long run.

Unusual Noises

It’s normal for Cape Coral cooling systems to make some noise through regular operations, though mini split systems are usually quieter than other types. If there are issues with yours, however, it could start to make some unexpected sounds.

Depending on what the problem is, you could hear banging, rattling, hissing, grinding, or a range of other noises. Unfortunately, there are all kinds of issues that can cause this, such as:

  • Loose parts
  • Compressor overheating
  • Frozen or dirty evaporator coils
  • Leaks in the refrigerant lines
  • Dirty air filters
  • Cheap materials in the HVAC system

It can be difficult to determine the cause, especially for someone who doesn’t have much experience with HVAC units. You’ll want to get a professional to take a look at it and diagnose the problem. They’ll then be able to tell you what the cause is and whether you should get a repair or a replacement.

Increased Energy Bills

Of the various HVAC replacement signs, this is one that’s a bit easier to miss as it may not be clear from the system itself. Mini split system efficiency will gradually decline, but if there are any major issues, it can cause a rapid drop in efficiency.

If your system is struggling to cool your home properly, it’s likely to start working harder to achieve the same results. This will cause it to use a lot more energy, leading to a sharp rise in your utility bills.

Electricity prices always seem to be on the rise, but if there’s a sudden, unexpected jump, you should get a professional HVAC technician to take a look at your system. If there’s an issue, they’ll be able to find it. A new system will be far more reliable and efficient, bringing your bills back down to a normal price.

This is the kind of thing you don’t want to ignore. The longer you leave it, the more you’ll be paying each month and you’ll be wasting money needlessly. This increase in energy usage is also bad for the environment, which is a major concern for a lot of people.

Frequent Leaks

If you spot a leak from your mini split system, it may be because there’s a refrigerant line leak. In many cases, this is a major problem that needs to be dealt with quickly. If it’s left for too long, it can cause irreparable damage to the compressor.

This kind of problem can be repaired in some cases, but it’s often very expensive. A full replacement may be the most cost-effective solution in this situation.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

The indoor air quality of your home is very important, and it can be greatly affected by your HVAC system. Air filters should be regularly cleaned and/or replaced to reduce the pollutants in the air, but sometimes this may not be enough.

If you replace your filters and find that the air quality is still quite poor, it may be worth replacing your whole mini split system. Bad indoor air quality can present a serious health risk for you and your family, so you should contact a professional as soon as possible so you can determine the best course of action.

Inadequate Cooling

A mini split system should be able to cool your entire home evenly when it’s working properly. You might notice that there are some areas that are warmer or colder than others. This usually means that the system is getting old or it’s not large enough for your home.

A newer system that’s better suited will solve this issue. It will be able to cool your entire home efficiently so it stays at a stable temperature while keeping your energy usage down.

Foul Smells

After some time, you might notice a musty smell coming from your AC system. This indicates the buildup of mold or mildew.

If these contaminants are in the air in your home, they could present a health risk to you and your family. Get a professional to take a look to determine the cause of the smell.

Getting the Right Mini Split System for Your Home in Cape Coral, FL

A mini split system can be a great way to keep your home comfortable, but they can break down in time. If you notice any of the signs above, it may be time for a replacement.

Ellsworth Heating & Cooling provides professional HVAC services throughout Cape Coral, FL. Our fully qualified team has been providing industry-leading services since 1968. Get in touch today to find out more about our services.