An HVAC unit is a must-have to keep your home safe and comfortable. Your HVAC system cools and heats the air as needed while properly circulating the air and keeping it filtered. Unfortunately, your AC can break down at any time and result in a lot of problems. Here are six signs it's time to call your local AC company for replacement.

1. Higher Bills

Is it getting harder to open your energy bills every month? Does your electric bill keep getting higher and higher even though you don't seem to be using more energy than normal? One of the main culprits for unexplained higher energy bills is an inefficient HVAC system. When your AC starts to get overworked and can no longer function efficiently, it will use more energy than before. The more energy it burns, the higher those bills will go.

According to Webinar Care, the HVAC market is expected to reach a 13% growth rate by 2028. One of the reasons for such growth is the availability of more energy-efficient units. When it's time for a replacement, your AC company knows the best unit to use.

2. Uneven Cooling or Heating

When you turn on your AC, do you have to stand underneath it to feel the cold air? If so, that's a problem because your HVAC system should properly circulate the air throughout your home. When air is concentrated in one area, your unit is clearly not working efficiently and is becoming more of a waste. Being in the middle of summer or the freezing months of winter won't be comfortable if only one room or a small section near your HVAC unit is capable of having a comfortable temperature.

3. Allergic Reactions

Do you start coughing, sneezing, or having watery eyes every time you turn on your HVAC system? If so, it's not doing a good job of filtering the air. We've seen that each unit should have a filter that should be cleaned at least once every three months, in some cases, monthly. However, your HVAC unit filtering system may be so far gone that you have a build-up of mold, dirt, and contaminants in the duct system. Breathing in such contaminated air isn't good for you and your family. It can result in asthma attacks, infections, and other respiratory ailments. In other words, keeping a malfunctioning AC unit around can be detrimental to your household's health.

4. Old Age

Are you aware of how old your HVAC system is? Is it the same unit that came with the house? When an HVAC technician comes, they can usually determine the age of your system if you're unsure. It's important to note that your AC should last about 10 to 15 years with good maintenance, according to Bob Vila. If your unit is approaching that 10 or 15-year mark, it may be time to start checking out what your local AC company can supply in terms of more modern units.

5. Bad Odors

You should be able to easily feel the cool or heated air from your HVAC unit. However, you shouldn't be able to smell it. If you're thrown back by foul odors coming from your HVAC system, it's on its last legs. The unit likely has a buildup of dirt, mildew, mold, and other nasty contaminants that you don't want to breathe in.

6. Loud Noises

Whenever you turn on your HVAC system, you shouldn't hear anything above a slight humming sound. In most cases, you won't hear anything past the initial click when it turns on. It's a major issue if your unit begins rattling, shaking, humming, or making so much noise that it's impossible to hear yourself talk, watch TV, or sleep with the unit on. If you're in the middle of December or January, both of which tend to be the coldest months, you may want to keep your heat on through the night. However, that'll be impossible to do if your HVAC system is rattling and shaking.

When you have an HVAC unit, regular inspections and maintenance from an AC company let you know when it's time to move on with replacement. Replacing your AC at the right time can ensure your home is never without proper heating or cooling. Contact Rutty & Morris Air Conditioning today for an efficient and modern unit that will last a long time.