When to Replace an Air Conditioner

Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning

Gaithersburg HVAC Contractors

Share

Tweet

0Share

A common mistake many homeowners make is holding onto their home air conditioner for too long. After a certain point, it is more cost-effective in the long-term to replace the air conditioner. This can reduce energy bills each month and reduce the risk of air conditioner breakdowns that are expensive to fix. In addition to the long-term financial benefit, this also makes the home feel more comfortable as well.

There are certain signs that homeowners can look for when determining whether or not it is time for a new air conditioner. Becoming familiar with the signs that your air conditioner is outdated, damaged, and not energy efficient, you can make a more informed decision about replacement. The following is an overview of when to consider air conditioner replacement and what the benefits are of doing so.

How to Tell When You Should Replace an Air Conditioner

It is encouraged to inspect and evaluate the performance of your air conditioning unit regularly to determine if there are any issues that need to be addressed. An air conditioner may need replacement if there are faulty parts or if the air conditioner as a whole is worn down or outdated.

Issues with the condition of the AC unit may lead to increased utility bills each month, an inability to keep the home cool, or frequent breakdowns, all of which are noticeable signs that the air conditioner may need to be replaced. While repairs are usually an option, it is often best to replace an air conditioner if it is more cost-effective and easier to deal with long-term.

Air conditioner is frequently breaking down

Perhaps the most obvious sign that it is time to get rid of your current AC unit and replace it with an upgrade is if the air conditioner continually breaks down. All too many are hesitant to replace their air conditioner as they do not want to pay for a new one. However, the time and money spent on constant repairs can quickly add up and exceed the cost of a replacement.

Homeowners can squeeze several more years out of a worn-down air conditioner through frequent repairs, but it is most often not a good idea. Instead of paying for the repairs each time an issue arises, or taking valuable time out of your day to fix it yourself, consider making the change and replacing the air conditioner with one that is new and more reliable.

Unit is over ten years old

Most HVAC professionals suggest replacing your air conditioner every ten years. With regular maintenance, it is not unusual for a quality air conditioner to last as many as fifteen years.

As AC units age, they become more vulnerable to breaking down and needing repairs. Therefore, it is a good idea to replace your air conditioner if it is more than a decade old as a way to ensure it works properly and does not require expensive repairs. You can also choose to wait until a repair is needed or the AC system becomes inefficient, but if these issues occur and the air conditioner is more than ten years old, then a replacement is recommended.

Your home is not comfortable

An air conditioner that is outdated or damaged may not keep the home at the ideal temperature. If this occurs, then a replacement might be necessary. An air conditioner should be able to keep the home cool and comfortable without working hard to do so. If components of the AC unit are damaged, it may either restrict airflow or cause the air that comes through to be not as cool.

In some instances, the AC unit may not work well because it is the wrong size. If your air conditioner is too small for your home, it can cause the home to feel uncomfortable, particularly on warm days. If you are not sure of the reason your air conditioner does not keep your home comfortable, consider ordering an HVAC inspection to determine if repair or replacement is necessary.

Consistently high energy bills

Old, worn-down or damaged air conditioners tend to work harder to keep the home at the desired temperature. The more your air conditioner has to run throughout the day, the higher the energy costs will be each month. Homeowners who see either a sudden or gradual increase in energy bills that cannot be explained due to weather conditions outside, should consider a replacement.

A replacement may come at a cost initially, but the homeowner can save money in the long-term by reducing monthly energy costs. Not all air conditioners that need to be replaced cause issues with comfort, but if they have to work extra hard to keep the home at the set temperature, then it suggests that it is either worn-down or has a defective part.

Replace Your Air Conditioning Unit Today

If your AC unit is more than ten years old, if you are having constant issues with the performance of your air conditioner, or if you have had to order repairs regularly, then it is time to consider a replacement. Replacing your air conditioning unit is easy as long as you find the right provider. A quality HVAC company should supply and install your air conditioning unit. They may also remove your current one for you if desired. The process begins with a simple and easy phone call with an HVAC professional, who can discuss replacement options and help you make an appropriate decision about whether or not replacement is a good idea.

Contact the Germantown HVAC Pros

Presidential Heating and Air Conditioning offers a range of new air conditioners to consider and can help you decide which option is best for your home. We also offer regularly scheduled maintenance visits and repairs. If you are having issues with your air conditioning unit and are considering replacement, then give our team a call for a free estimate today.