How often should I replace my AC unit?
How are you supposed to know when it’s time to replace your air conditioner? Although a new air conditioner can be a big investment, so can the costs of continuing to repair and operate an old, inefficient unit. The tell-tale signs listed below are sure to help you make your decision!
- Air conditioner is more than 10 years old. In general, well-maintained air conditioner can last up to 15 years. However, if your air conditioner is more than 10 years old and it requires expensive repairs, it will make more sense to replace it.
- Air conditioner is expensive to repair. If the cost of the repair would cover a large part of a new system, and especially if your air conditioner is showing other signs of malfunctioning that would require additional servicing in the future, it will make more sense to replace it.
- Frequent breakdowns. If your air conditioner is constantly breaking down it doesn’t make sense to invest in repairs over and over again.
- Air conditioner is inefficient. If your air conditioner has a low SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), it can cost you a lot of money to operate it. If your A/C’s SEER rating is below 13 (which is obligatory for all newly manufactured air conditioners), it would be wiser to replace it with a new, more efficient unit.
- Air conditioner uses R 22 Freon. Freon is being phased out by the federal government in order to conserve energy nationwide. As a result, the costs of Freon are 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’s probably a good time to replace your unit.
If you have any questions about when to replace your air conditioner, or if you’d like a cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Evolved Mechanical