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The EPA set 2020 as a deadline for ending the production and import of this refrigerant. That means if you have a leak of refrigerant in systems that use freon, you're out of luck. Freon was phased out by the EPA because of its environmental impact. Your bills are going upĪ noticeable increase in your electric bills during the months you use the window air conditioner (compared to previous years) is another sign it's time to replace the unit.Ī common issue with older AC units is the use of the refrigerant R-22, or freon.
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As always, reach out to a qualified repair person if you have any questions or concerns about your window air conditioner. Mold and mildew can affect your health and a wiring problem can lead to a fire hazard. A bad smell can be anything from smoky/burning smells when there's a wiring problem to musty smells that can mean mold or mildew buildup. If you notice bad smells coming from the machine as it operates, there could be a problem. Your air conditioner shouldn't smell at all.
SAMSUNG WI.DOW AC ENERGYSAVER SWITCH REPAIR HOW TO
(We've also got tips on how to potentially fix a noisy AC unit here.) The unit smells, or your home's air quality is bad However, squealing, grinding, scraping or regular loud bangs and pops could mean there are problems with key parts of the system, according to AC and heating company Chas Roberts. It's common to hear the occasional pop or whistle as the window air conditioner turns on and off. If your window unit is six to eight years old, you could theoretically get at least two more years out of it. If you're not quite ready to buy a new window air conditioner, try cleaning it to see if you can get a few additional months or years of life out of the machine. That means if your older window unit is acting up in any way or just not performing the way it used to, it's probably time to get a new one. On average, window units last around 10 years. Read more: Window Air Conditioner Buying Guide: What You Need to Know | Best Window AC Units of 2022 Your window air conditioner is old
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(You can also check out how to fix a noisy air conditioner, how to save money on air conditioning with this ceiling fan hack and what temperature you should set your thermostat at to save money.) If the fix is going to cost a lot of money, it might be better to get a new unit.
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If you notice any of these issues, reach out to a repair person to see if it's easily (and, hopefully, cheaply) remedied. But if your air conditioner is struggling to keep you cool during this hot summer, how do you know when it's time to call it?īelow you'll find the five signs that you might need to replace your window air conditioner. So you definitely want to make sure you get the most out of your current AC unit (including by cleaning it to keep mold away) before paying for another one. Window air conditioners are pricey - typically hundreds of dollars. This story is part of Home Tips, CNET's collection of practical advice for getting the most out of your home, inside and out.
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