When to Replace Your AC Unit

Does your home feel humid even when the air conditioner is running? Are breakdowns and inadequate cooling becoming frequent issues? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, your air conditioner may be running on borrowed time. Deciding when to replace it can be challenging, but HVAC.com is here to help by outlining key signs that indicate it’s time for a new AC unit.

Signs You May Need a New Air Conditioner

Old Age

With proper care and maintenance, central air conditioners can last about 15-20 years on average. Once they reach this age, they become less efficient, leading to repairs and high energy bills. Replacing your AC preemptively can also save you the headache of a complete breakdown on a hot summer day.

Frequent Repairs

An air conditioner that needs to be replaced will likely experience more repairs due to aging parts. If your air conditioner is older and needs to be repaired two or more times a year, then consider putting your hard-earned money into buying a new air conditioner.

Inefficiency

Have you noticed a steady climb in your energy bills over the past year or two? Your air conditioning system could be at fault. Not only do air conditioners lose efficiency with age, but many systems manufactured 15-20 years ago have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 10 or lower which is inefficient. Upgrading to a system with a minimum SEER of 14 (North) or 15 (South) can save you a significant amount on energy costs.

Inadequate Cooling

If your air conditioner is not cooling your home adequately or in a timely fashion, even after maintenance, it could be on its way out. Inadequate cooling can cause higher energy bills and increased system strain as it works overtime to reach the thermostat setting.

Poor Humidity Control

Aside from cooling your home, your air conditioner is also responsible for keeping humidity levels in check, typically below 50%. If your home feels muggy, your air conditioner may be struggling to remove excess moisture. Although dehumidifiers can help balance humidity, it might be worth considering AC replacement if the system is also old and inefficient.

R-22 Refrigerant Leak

R-22 refrigerant was used in cooling systems manufactured prior to 2010 and has since been phased out. Only reclaimed and existing supplies of R-22 are available now, causing prices to soar. In some areas, it’s not even available, making air conditioning replacement a more viable option compared to spending hundreds of dollars on recharging the system.

Expensive Repair

In most cases, if the cost of the repair is over $3,000, HVAC replacement is usually the right step, unless the system is covered under warranty or it’s a one-time fix. If your AC unit is more than 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, consider buying a new air conditioner.

How to Extend Your Air Conditioner’s Lifespan

If you choose to replace your air conditioner, proper care can extend its lifespan to the expected 15-20 years.

• Professional maintenance. Schedule a maintenance appointment with an HVAC contractor once a year, preferably in the spring before the arrival of warm weather. During an AC tune-up, a technician will clean, calibrate, and adjust any necessary components to ensure proper operation. They will also inspect for issues and recommend any needed repairs before they balloon into larger, more expensive issues.
• DIY tasks. You can perform a couple of easy DIY tasks to keep your system operating efficiently throughout the summer. These tasks include changing filters every 2-3 months and clearing away debris (such as leaves, branches, and grass clippings) from around the outdoor AC condenser unit to ensure unrestricted airflow and efficient operation.