4 Signs Your Jersey Shore Home Needs A New Central A/C

Easter weekend is a big deal in towns like Ocean City, Marmora, and Avalon. It’s when many people come down to the Jersey shore and open their vacation homes for the first time.

But, with everything going on, they may overlook some signs that they may need a new central a/c to make it through the summer. Four factors to consider are:

1. Strange noises
2. Increasing electricity bills
3. Frequent repairs
4. Age of the unit

The good news is that a new central air installation can be quick and easy. And, there are new options out today that can increase your comfort and lower your utility bills.

If your system is on its last legs in the spring, there’s still plenty of time to replace it before Memorial Day. And, Broadley’s has been serving homes from Cape May to Margate for decades. We know how important it is for homeowners and property managers to have the house comfortable and ready for summer.

Of course, we can’t diagnose an AC problem over the internet. But, you can keep a lookout for warning signs and give us a call if you notice them.

Air conditioner makes strange noises

When you turn your air conditioner on for the first time this year, you can expect to hear the woosh of air running through the ducts. What you shouldn’t hear are strange noises like banging, vibrations or especially scraping.

Any odd sound could indicate a problem. If you’re lucky, it’s a small issue we can easily repair. But, sometimes that’s not the case.

Many times, the noise is a sign that the unit has been overexerting itself. If it’s been working too hard for too long, then it’s more likely to break down for good.

And, if you notice your also a/c shutting down too often, it could be trying to prevent a full break down.

If you’re hearing strange noises coming from your AC, you should get it checked out before the summer hits. And, if you’ve heard it for more than one season, you may be better of replacing the unit rather than pay for costly repairs on an older model.

Increasing electricity bills

If you keep records of your utility bills or know where to find them online, take a look at them. Has your electric bill gone up significantly each summer? If so your a/c may be to blame.

A unit requires more energy to cool your home as it gets older. Similarly, if there’s a problem, it’s likely working extra hard to get the job done.

Both those situations will leave you paying more each month. The more energy it needs, the more you pay for. And, if it’s been going on for a while, it could mean the system is on its way out.

Of course, you can take steps to correct this. If you haven’t changed your air filter in a while, for instance, putting in a new one can increase efficiency.

And, regular preventative maintenance goes a long way. We’ll touch on that a little later, too. But, if you get your system optimized each season, it will require less energy.

But, if the bills have been going up for a while, and the unit is getting older, replacement may be the way to go.

Frequent air conditioner repairs

While you’re thinking about previous seasons, ask yourself this: Have you needed more frequent repairs for your air conditioner over the past few years? Some common calls we get, especially at the beginning of the season, are:

1. Central air will not turn off
2. The AC is not cooling house
3. The AC is blowing but not cooling

Each of these could have a different cause. And, if you’re experiencing them more often, it may be time to consider a replacement. Your wallet will thank you in the long run.

A new unit will require fewer repairs for many years. Meanwhile, your old one will keep getting worse. You’ll pay more and more for service calls while it continues to degrade.

And, when you’re considering a system near the ocean, you want to keep up with changing weather conditions. An a/c that can keep up with your home is a sound investment.

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms when you open your house for the summer, call in a professional. You’ll want this taken care of before the temperature really starts to climb.

And, tell your tech if you’ve been having these problems for a while. Then, they can look over the system and recommend whether or not you need a new system.

Having your A/C serviced every season is important to keeping your home comfortable, your energy bills down, and your A/C lasting for years. Schedule your service now and have your system ready for the summer!

How long does a central a/c last at the Jersey shore?

On average, a central a/c lasts 15 to 20 years. But, there are some important factors at play. Some of those are specific to the Jersey shore. These include:

1. Regular air conditioner tune-ups
2. Quality of the unit
3. Proper installation
4. Saltwater and sand

Now, just because your a/c is old doesn’t mean you automatically have to replace it. But, if you’re at the 15-year mark, it’s time to start watching closely for warning signs.

If you’ve gotten regular air conditioner tune-ups every year, your a/c is more likely to last closer to two decades.

The same goes for if you invested in a high-quality unit. You can save money up front with a budget model. But, it won’t last as long as a top-of-the-line a/c.

And, the quality of the company that installed it matters, too. If they didn’t put in the unit properly, there might be a problem somewhere you can’t see. You could be getting cool air, but the system is working harder than it should.

Finally, there’s the beach. Specifically, there’s the sand and salt water. These elements are why a/c’s here don’t last nearly as long as they do further inland.

Sand can clog the system, while salt water is corrosive. Fortunately, you can take some steps to lessen their impact. For instance, changing your air filter often prevents sand from clogging up your outdoor condenser. And, your air conditioner tune-up includes a cleaning.

But, eventually, the environment takes its toll. So, it’s essential to be on the lookout for signs that something is wrong with your cooling system.

Are you experiencing higher energy bills and more frequent repairs on an older cooling system? Contact Broadley’s today to find out if it’s time for a replacement.