How often should you replace an AC unit?

Sep 7

You have many options when it comes to replacing your cooling system. Listed below are some factors that might be considered:

How many hours per day do you work on your unit?
If any corrosive contaminants are involved
How well and how often do you take care of your unit
If you have done repairs in the past

Most air conditioners will last around 15 years. However, units are not uncommon to last as long as 20. Your air conditioner may also be affected by other factors. Your local weather. Your unit's ability to perform well and the speed at which you will need to replace it can be affected by heat, humidity, saltwater, and proximity to agricultural production.

Here are some signs you should replace your air conditioner

There are signs you can look out for to prevent a sudden breakdown and have your air conditioner replaced before it becomes a significant problem.

Increased energy bills

You might need a new AC conditioner if you notice an abrupt increase in your energy bills that isn't due to weather changes. Your air conditioner could work harder or fail to achieve the same goal if you have high energy bills. It's worth scheduling an AC unit check-up if your monthly energy bills seem to rise over time. This will help you determine if it needs to be replaced sooner than expected.

Old Models

Air conditioners in the United States have stopped using freon or R-22 Freon as a refrigerant, effective 2020. Due to environmental hazards, the substance will no longer be made.

R-22 Freon is recommended for air conditioners that are older than 10 years. If your air conditioner stops working or runs out, you won't have any freon to replace it. It is necessary to purchase a new unit.

You may consider buying a replacement unit if your unit uses R-22 Freon. This will avoid long waiting periods on hot days and costly repairs.

Increased Inconveniences

Did you know your house gets dirtier the more you use the air conditioner? Perhaps your blower is too loud? This could indicate that your air conditioner is having problems. It could be that there are leaks in your ductwork or that your setup is not suitable for your home. This could cause costly repairs and increase cooling costs. These are good indicators that you should consider a replacement.

Inability to remove or cool down the humidity

Your air conditioner cools your home and removes humidity. If your air conditioner is not working well or needs repairs, it could be unable to perform either task. It could also be capable of doing either job well, but not regularly.

You may believe that your unit can withstand some humidity to save money on replacing it all the time, but this is not true. These issues can lead to high energy bills and expensive repairs down the road. While it may cost more upfront, a replacement can save you money over the long term.

Odd Leaking

If you have ever noticed excessive moisture or puddles near your air conditioner unit while outside, it is time to get it checked out. Leaked liquid can not only be dangerous to the environment, pets and people who live near it but can also cause irreparable damage to your home. Even if the coolant is not toxic or water, it can still cause mold problems.

Do you need to repair or replace your air conditioner?

Sometimes you don't have to replace your entire air conditioner. You can repair your air conditioner and set it up for another ten years of use. When deciding whether to replace or fix your device, you should consider these factors.

The age of your unit (if it is less than 10 years old, you can likely repair it. If it is more than 10 years old, replace it.
How often are you having problems? Are you doing more repairs every few decades? A replacement may be cheaper.
The cost of repairs. If the cost of repairs is more than half the cost of replacing the unit, you might want to go ahead and buy a new one.

Contact your local AC/HVAC repair technician for information about repair options. You can also consult with a licensed contractor for replacement costs. Do-it-yourself repairs are not recommended, especially for older units that contain freon.

There are many benefits to replacing your air conditioner.

You don't have to spend much money on an air conditioner if you still have trouble paying for it. Many other benefits come with replacing your unit. You can increase the energy efficiency in your home, reduce utility bills, improve indoor quality, raise your home's market value, and even qualify for a tax credit.

Do not be left stranded in the heat with no AC and no cold air. You should start looking into a replacement AC unit if your system shows any of the above signs. Hire professional AC services mesa az for your AC replacement.