If your air conditioner is getting older, it may be time to consider an AC replacement. But is 2024 your year for an upgrade, or do you still have some life left in your current unit? There are some signs that you can watch for that can indicate your air conditioner is reaching the end of its lifespan.
You can keep reading to learn more about how long you can expect your air conditioner to last, and some indications that it is time for an upgrade. Then you can give our team a call to schedule your AC replacement in Sussex County, DE.
Are Repeated AC Repairs Costing You More Than a Replacement?
Does it seem like your air conditioner has repairs popping up left and right? If so, it’s probably time to just go ahead and invest in a new unit instead of continuing to struggle with frequent or persistent repair needs. For more guidance, this article on how to decide between AC repair and replacement can help you determine when it’s no longer worth repairing.
As your air conditioner gets older, all of the components are aging and wearing out. It becomes more and more likely that repair needs will pop up. In fact, frequent repairs become much more likely in the last couple of years of an air conditioner’s life, according to experts.
Signs Your AC Can’t Keep Up Anymore
If your air conditioner is suddenly struggling to keep up with cooling your home, a variety of factors could be contributing. The blower motor may not be powerful enough to move air into your home. Or maybe you have a refrigerant leak that is lowering the cooling power of your air conditioner. No matter what the problem is, our team can check it out. Sometimes issues are simple enough to fix and get your AC working again.
Other times, problems are significant and require a total replacement. It’s a good idea to go ahead and spend the money on a total replacement if repair costs exceed reasonable expectations. Once you get up into the thousands of dollars for a single repair or even a series of repairs, it’s probably a better idea to just go ahead and spend the money on a new unit instead. This principle is echoed in the 50% rule of thumb for replacement, which HVAC experts use to help homeowners make smart financial decisions.
How an Old AC May Be Spiking Your Bills
And speaking of saving money, older air conditioners can cost you by way of poor energy efficiency. As your air conditioner gets older, it naturally loses a little of its efficiency. Without proper maintenance, this efficiency loss can be even greater. If your energy bills are going up and up without ceasing, it’s probably time to invest in a new unit.
Older air conditioners are less efficient compared to newer models. When you add in the age factor, you compound the problem. Yes, it is expensive to upgrade to a totally new air conditioner. But you can also save money on your monthly energy costs over the entire life of the unit, especially if you invest in a high-efficiency model.
Is Your AC Too Old to Be Efficient?
Air conditioners typically last between 10 and 15 years. Manufacturer’s warranties are usually up after the 10-year mark, and as you get closer to the 15-year mark it makes it even more likely that you’ll have to invest in a replacement. It’s always better to take initiative and plan ahead for a replacement instead of waiting for your air conditioner to break down completely. To help avoid a stressful emergency, you can also explore how long an HVAC replacement really takes so you’re prepared for the full process.
At Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc., “We Take Pride in Your Comfort!” Call us for all your air conditioning needs in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.