When is it time to replace your air conditioner?
One of the toughest decisions you’ll have to make about your air conditioning is determining when it is time for a new unit. A new air conditioner can be a big investment, but sometimes it’s necessary due to the costs of consistently having to repair and operate and old, inefficient system. Homeowners should be aware of AC issues so they can replace their unit rather than racking up costly maintenance fees. The following signs could indicate you need a new air conditioning unit.
Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. In general, you can expect a well-maintained air conditioner to last about 15 years. However, if you’re in need of expensive repairs and your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it will often make more sense to replace it.
Your air conditioner is inefficient. If your air conditioner has a low SEER rating, it can cost you a lot of money to operate it. Currently, newly manufactured air conditioners must have a SEER rating of at least 13. If your air conditioner’s SEER rating is below 13, you can cut back on your energy costs by replacing it with a new, more efficient unit.
You’re facing expensive repairs: Any time you’re facing an expensive repair; you’ll want to weigh the costs of the repair against the cost of a new unit. If the cost of the repair would cover a large part of the new system, and especially if your air conditioner is showing any of the other signs it is often more cost-efficient to get it replaced.
It frequently breaks down. Does it seem like your air conditioner is constantly breaking down? Are you calling a service technician every month because of a new problem with your unit? These repair costs can add up quickly and it’s not economical to continually make them on older units. Save yourself the headaches and the money by investing in a new unit.
Your air conditioner uses R 22 Freon. The federal government is phasing out Freon in order to conserve energy nationwide. As a result, the cost of Freon is rising exponentially. If your air conditioner uses Freon, you’ll have to replace it eventually in order to switch over to the new refrigerant (R410A). If you’re having major problems with your air conditioner, especially if they involve the need for more Freon, it is probably a good time to replace your unit.
Your home isn’t comfortable. Do you have a hard time keeping your home cool? This could be the sign of an aging air conditioner or even an incorrectly sized system. Regardless of the cause, you want your air conditioner to do its job. If it’s not going to keep your home cool, you’ll want to replace it with a unit that will.
- These signs are major reasons to start thinking about replacing your air conditioning unit. However, there are additional warning signs to look out for that may not be as obvious. Homeowners should also be mindful of the other common signs that could signify your unit is in need of replacement or maintenance as soon as possible. These warning signs include lack of cool air and limited airflow, build up of moisture, strange sounds, and foul smells.
- Lack of cool air and limited airflow is probably the most obvious sign that your AC is experiencing issues. If you turn on the unit and the air doesn’t come out cold within a few minutes, there is a good chance that it is not performing properly.
- All AC units will create moisture to some extent, but those that are functioning properly should be able to handle it without issue. When moisture is present or leakage is occurring around the AC, it could be that you have a refrigerant leak on your hands. This will not only cause the system to underperform, but it also poses a serious health risk to you and your family.
- Have you noticed that your AC is noisier than it used to be? The presence of strange sounds such as grinding, squeaking or chattering is never normal and should not be taken as a typical sign of aging. Most AC units are supposed to operate at a noise level that is barely detectable, so if your cooling system is drawing attention to itself, you know it’s time to upgrade to new equipment.
- In the same way that noticeable sounds typically indicate a problem with heating and cooling systems, so too do strange smells. Your AC should be putting out clean, neutral-smelling air, but this isn’t always the case when problems exist. A smoky or burning smell can indicate serious problems and require immediate attention.
With an aspect of your home as important as your comfort, we’re dedicated to being your cooling solution to any problem. For all your heating, plumbing, and cooling needs, contact us today at 317-283-9597.
