Most people don’t typically think about how long it will take for their fan coil unit to kick the bucket, especially if they’ve just invested in fan coil installation.But once it does, it becomes an essential repair. It’s what circulates air throughout a space and makes heating and air conditioning possible. If it goes down, everyone inside will be left without air conditioning until it gets fixed.
The only way to prevent this worst-case scenario is by knowing the warning signs of a failing fan coil unit. Here’s what you should look for to prevent this HVAC essential from going under.
Inconsistencies in the Temperature
The biggest tell-tale sign that your FCU might need to be replaced is when a room’s temperature is inconsistent. If you begin to notice uneven temperatures throughout your home or apartment, it’s a good idea to check the unit to see if there are any obvious problems such as leaks or unwanted materials stuck in the unit. You can fix some of these issues by simply cleaning any dust or particles caught inside. Other problems such as extreme refrigerant leaks might mean you should consider fully replacing your fan coil unit.
Unit Produces Too Much Noise
Have you started to notice loud noises every time your heat or air conditioning unit turns on? If there’s a gurgling sound that wasn’t there before, it might be time for a replacement. When your unit seems to run louder than normal, this indicates that the unit is working harder to maintain or change the temperature. The reason a unit’s noise levels increase is due to the motor. Much like a car, when the motor runs for so long, it eventually wears out. When this happens, there’s really nothing that can be done to repair it — the unit must be replaced to ensure you stay comfortable in your home or apartment.
The Age of Your HVAC System
The phrase “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” is a common-sense bit of advice that’s worth following. Obviously, if your unit seems to be running well, there’s no need to replace it. If your AC unit is brand new, it’s unlikely that it will need an FCU repair so early. However, if you’re aware that your unit is an older one, you should prepare to replace it soon. A good FCU will last between 10 and 15 years, depending on how well it’s maintained. Therefore, if you know that your unit is close to this age, you might need to prepare for a replacement so that you aren’t blindsided. Repairs are always an option, but you will do better to replace the FCU entirely and receive reliable results.
Conclusion
Replacing a fan coil unit is often not on a homeowner’s to-do list. However, if you see these warning signs, then you know it’s time to make preparing your FCU a priority. Your family deserves the highest quality air, and repairing your FCU will make a huge difference if you start to experience sudden temperature changes and loud mechanical noises from your HVAC. Keep an eye on your unit for these warning signs to enjoy better quality air for both you and your family. There’s no rush to fix it if you just got FCU installation, but if the HVAC system is several years old, you might want to call in the pros for an inspection.
