Once you have installed an air conditioner, the unit will need routine maintenance to continue operating optimally. Repairs may also be necessary from time to time. However, no AC unit is designed to last forever, and no matter how much care to give your unit, there will come a time when it will need to be replaced. Unfortunately, the right time to replace an air conditioner is not obvious in most cases. There are many factors to be considered and telltale signs to watch out for, and therefore, the average homeowner may find it difficult to tell if it is time to repair or replace their AC units. Below are some signs indicating that you need an air conditioner replacement.
Your AC Is Older Than Ten Years
As mentioned earlier, air conditioners are not made to last forever. On average, the lifespan of older air conditioners ranges between 10 to 12 years. Newer models can last between 15 and 20 years. As your AC approaches the end of its lifespan, it will become less efficient and require more attention from an HVAC repair expert. If you are not sure when your AC was manufactured, you can pick its manufacturing date from the serial number. If you don’t know how to interpret the serial number, you can ask an HVAC expert to assist you. If you find that your unit is older than a decade and is showing signs of inefficiency or physical deterioration, it is wise for you to start thinking of seeking air conditioner replacement services.
Your AC Requires More Frequent Repairs
Like any other electrical equipment, your air conditioner will need repairs from time to time. However, under normal circumstances, AC repairs should be few and far between. Therefore, if your air conditioner keeps breaking down, forcing you to call an AC repair company every few weeks, there is a serious problem. In such as case, you need to start talking to your HVAC company about the need for a replacement, especially if your AC is older than ten years. This is because frequent AC breakdowns can be quite costly and inconvenient.
The AC Is Becoming Less Effective
Nobody else understands the effectiveness of your air conditioner than yourself. Therefore, when there is an anomaly in how it works, your will certainly know. For instance, if your air conditioner is well maintained, but it is not cooling your entire home evenly, then it could be getting less effective due to age or some other factors. In such a situation, it makes sense for you to start thinking of an air conditioner replacement in Charleston, SC because the system will eventually become completely unable to regulate the temperatures in your home, and consequently make your home uncomfortable for you and your family, particularly during summers and winters when temperatures can go the extremes.
Your Energy Bills Have Skyrocketed
Of course, the HVAC system is one of the most significant consumers of energy in your house. Unfortunately, your AC can become quite inefficient with age, and consequently push your energy bills up. Therefore, if your energy bills have skyrocketed but your utility company has not increased its cost per unit, your AC could be consuming more energy than it should. If you are not sure, you can consult your HVAC services provider to determine if there is something that can be done to restore your air conditioner’s initial levels of efficiency. If nothing can be done to correct the issue, then it is imperative for you to ask your HVAC services provider to guide you on air conditioner replacement.
Your AC Uses R-22 Freon
In the past, some manufacturers of air conditioners would use R-22 Freon as a refrigerant. However, after it was discovered that Freon is a threat to the ozone layer, the government resolved to ban the importation and production of Freon in the United States from January 2020. Therefore, if your air conditioner uses R-22 Freon, it is important for you to know that you will not find the appropriate refrigerant for it should it need a refill. As such, if the refrigerant level goes down for some reason, you could be forced to live under sweltering heat until you can replace your unit. Therefore, it is advisable for homeowners who own older air conditioners that use R-22 Freon as a refrigerant to start thinking of seeking air conditioner replacement services.
You Are Facing Expensive Repairs
As mentioned above, it is not unusual for your air conditioner to need some repairs. However, some air conditioner repairs do not make economic sense. For instance, if your air conditioner’s air compressor is irredeemably damaged, replacing it can be quite an uneconomical decision, especially if your unit is almost a decade old. In such a situation, air conditioner replacement could be more economical compared to investing in a replacement air compressor.
The Bottom Line
Overall, it is apparent that your conditioner is not going to serve you forever. If it is well maintained, it should serve you for 10 and 20 years. But even before the official expiry date of your air conditioner, there are several factors that can make it necessary for you to consider air conditioner replacement. For instance, if your AC has become less effective and more inefficient, in spite of doing all the necessary maintenance and tune-ups on time, then you may have to replace the unit to save money in the long run. Similarly, if your air conditioner is having issues that are forcing you to call your HVAC repair company every few weeks or months, then it should be replaced as soon as possible for you to enjoy your peace of mind. If you need an HVAC company offering air conditioner replacement services in Charleston, SC, Carney & Son 72 Degrees Air Conditioning and Heating is an excellent choice. Feel free to contact us today for more information about our company and air conditioner replacement services.
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