Choosing to replace your old air conditioning system is an important decision. Modern air conditioners can last upwards of fifteen years, especially when maintained properly, so it’s crucial you choose the correct unit for your home’s cooling needs. It’s not a decision that should be rushed. But if your older AC breaks down on a 100 degree day, you may have to act fast.
Much like an old car, air conditioners show signs of failure before they actually fail. By paying attention to the performance of your older AC, you can start preparing for the purchase of a new unit before you need it.
These are the main factors we take into consideration when discussing your options:
1. Your Air Conditioning System is 10+ Years Old.
It’s important to know how old your AC system is. On average, a well-maintained air conditioner will last about 10-12 years. However, if you need an expensive repair and your air conditioner is 10+ years old (and uses R-22 Freon) it will often make more sense to replace it.
2. Your Air Conditioner Uses R-22 Freon.
The production of R-22 Freon was phased out by the federal government on January 1, 2020. If your AC is 10+ years old, it likely uses a refrigerant known as R-22 Freon. You can still use your AC; however, you should prepare for a replacement. If it breaks down and needs an R-22 refill for the repair, it will be very costly and R-22 is getting more scarce every day.
3. Your Air Conditioner is Inefficient.
If your air conditioner has a low SEER rating, it can cost you a lot of money to operate it. Currently, newly manufactured air conditioners must have a SEER rating of at least 14. If your air conditioner’s SEER rating is below 14, you can cut back on your energy costs by replacing it with a new, more efficient unit.
4. It’s becoming noisy.
We hate to say it, but that clicking, grinding, or rattling noise coming from your AC system is not good news. It’s symptomatic of components that are wearing out and will often be the first sign that your system is starting to fail. Scheduling an AC service should always be your starting point, but you should also prepare yourself for the fact that an AC replacement may be on the horizon.
5. Changes to Your Home’s Square Footage.
Air conditioning units come in different sizes — without the proper sizing, an AC system could be too small or too big for your home. If you recently completed an addition or finished off a previously unfinished basement or attic space, then your current AC unit may not be big enough to keep up with the new demands you’ve placed on it.
6. Frequent Breakdowns.
Does it seem like your AC is constantly breaking down? These repair costs can really add up, and it doesn’t make sense to keep making them on older units. Save yourself the headaches and the money by investing in a new unit.
7. You’re Facing Expensive Repairs.
Lastly, if you’re facing expensive AC repairs, you’ll want to weigh the repair cost against the cost of a new unit. If the cost of the repair would cover a large part of a new system, and especially if your AC is showing any of the other signs in this list, it will likely make more financial sense to replace it.
Schedule Your FREE AC Replacement Estimate Today!
If your AC system falls into one or more of the categories above and you’re ready to replace it, Pro-Tech HVAC Home will provide a FREE estimate to replace it. During our estimate appointment, we meet with you to determine your home comfort needs, determine proper sizing and discuss your options.
Learn more about our AC installation and replacement services and contact us today to schedule.
Pro-Tech HVAC Home offers new installation, replacement, repairs and maintenance of heating and air conditioning systems in the Annapolis area. Our customers rely on us for honest and reliable service for air conditioners, heat pumps, gas furnaces, Mitsubishi systems, and more. We’re happy to answer questions, troubleshoot, and help you choose the best HVAC system for you and your family. We’re always happy to help answer your questions, so please give us a call or send us an email.