A central air conditioning unit is a big investment in your home, and it may regularly need repairs or maintenance. However, as your unit gets older, you may wonder when a repair is enough and when a replacement may be best. If your AC unit isn't working as well as it used to, use these three warning signs to determine if you need a repair or total replacement.  

Strange Noises/Smells

Central air conditioning units aren't completely silent. Depending on the unit you have, it may be louder than others. As the homeowner, however, you likely have determined which sounds are normal and which are abnormal. If you notice strange noises, such as grinding, squeaking, thumping, etc., there may be something wrong with the unit. Similarly, unpleasant odors, including musty and burning smells, should be inspected by a professional. In many cases, a repair may be enough, but depending on the severity of the damage and the age of your unit, a replacement may be best. Similarly, if the system has broken down frequently over the past few years, a replacement may be the most cost-effective choice, so you don't waste money on repairs that don't really work.

Frequent Cycling

An air conditioner doesn't run constantly. In order to save energy, it cycles, turning on and off as the temperature inside the home dictates. If you've noticed your system doesn't stay on for long because it cycles too frequently, there may be something wrong. If damage is the cause, a repair may be beneficial, but in many cases, frequent cycling indicates the system is too big for the home. Bigger homes require more powerful units, so if you purchased a unit that is too powerful for your smaller home, you are only wasting money. First, it wastes money by wasting so much energy to cool your home quickly. Second, frequent cycling strains the unit, so you'll need more repairs. In this case, you'll need a new unit to correct the issue.

Hot Zones

Ideally, your air conditioning unit should make the temperature inside your home nice and cool. However, there are many reasons you may notice areas in your home that are still too warm. One reason may be the system is too small for your home. In this case, the unit will need to be replaced. However, the problem may be related to your ductwork. Ductwork can get dirty or develop holes. As a result, less air cooled air reaches your living space, creating warm zones. Clogged ducts (and a clogged filter) can also strain the system, causing it to break down sooner.

Don't let your air conditioning unit go unchecked. There are many issues that can cause your system to become inefficient and ineffective, causing you to waste money. If you believe you need AC repair, maintenance or a replacement, contact an HVAC contractor in your area today.