When to Replace Your Air Conditioner? Check for These Signs
You not only need to know when to repair your AC but also when to replace it. Even though these systems are expensive investments, most of them do not last for more than ten years. While the system continues, it should perform efficiently to keep your home comfortable. Your air conditioning system has two main functions – to reduce the humidity that comes with the summer heat and lower the temperature enough to let you enjoy activities in the house during the day.
At times, regular maintenance does not get your system back to optimal performance – it is such times that you need to replace your AC system. You need to know when to replace the air conditioner system, to keep your house comfortable.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner: Warning Signs
By replacing your air conditioner when it needs replacing, you will save on energy, and consequently, your electricity bills will be reduced. Again, you need to replace the system for optimal performance. Below are signs that you need to get a new AC system.
It’s Older Than 15 Years
Energy Star recommends that you consider getting a new AC after ten years. Once you have used an AC for ten years or more, it might break down more often and require lots of repairs. After the fifteenth birthday, the AC needs replacement. Your heating and cooling system should account for 44 per cent of your utility bills – if you are paying more and you have an old AC system, it might be time for an upgrade.
Besides older AC units performing less efficiently, most of them use R22, a refrigerant that is almost no longer on the market. In the next few years, environmental protection regulations will phase out R22. It is expensive to replace R22 refrigerant thanks to its scarcity in the market. Granted, when your old AC system needs refrigerant replacement, consider buying a new one – new systems sport a design that complies with new regulations.
Another reason why you need to replace these old systems is that they emit a lot of carbon and are less energy efficient. A newer system will keep your environment clean and save you the money you’d otherwise spend on bills. Even when an old AC has not broken, you might need to upgrade to the new system if you are already wondering when to replace furnace and air conditioner.
It’s Noisy and Dusty
A lot of dust in your home compromises the functioning of the AC. If you notice a lot of dust in your home even after cleaning, it is an indication that there are leaks in your ductwork that are letting in the dust. When the amount of dust in your AC system increases, the operational cost also increases, seeing that the AC will run longer to cool the house. Again, dirt can make the AC system noisy – noise indicates that the AC indoor coil is faulty, and the duct system is not enough for your house or has leaks. Sound can also be a sign of broken bearings or slipping belts.
It Performs Inconsistently
The air conditioner in your home should remove humidity to make your home more comfortable. When the room gets hot, the AC should cool the house consistently as per the setting on your thermostat within 20 minutes. If the AC cannot always, maintain temperatures throughout your home, either the AC system is malfunctioning, or the ductwork is broken. In most cases, the cost of repairing these systems outweighs the cost of replacing them.
You can tell that the AC system is becoming obsolete if it starts running for longer than usual. On average, your AC system should run between 15 and 20 minutes. If the system begins running for longer to cool the house and the weather has not changed, then it might have broken down and needs replacement.
Your Costs Are Increasing
In the summer, you might have to pay more since the AC will work more due to the high temperatures outside. However, if the bills go higher than they have ever been, it is an indication that your SC system is not performing as efficiently as it should. Again, if you are paying more on repairs and maintenance, your system must be running obsolete and in need of repair.
When to Replace Window Air Conditioner
Your window air conditioner works more than your central air conditioner. If you are wondering when to replace a window air conditioner, it might be because the air conditioner next to your window may not have lasted as long as the central air conditioner. Most window air conditioners might not go all 15 years since they overwork in summer. However, if you are not getting cold air near a window or the AC near a window needs frequent repairs, you need to get a new system. If you need to replace your AC in the Phoenix, Arizona area, check this site for reliable services.
When to Replace Central Air Conditioner
Central air conditioners will operate correctly for the first ten years – after that, they will need lots of repairs. You will know when to replace the central air conditioner based on how comfortable you feel in your home. If your system has a low energy rating, it runs on R22 refrigerant (which is inferior), requires frequent repairs or it is over-sized or under-sized for your home, you might need to get a new one. Again, if the system runs for longer than 20 minutes to reach your preferred room temperature, it is a sign that a new system is needed.
Conclusion
The first ten years after installing your AC, you might not wonder when to replace air conditioner. After the tenth year, breakdowns start, and you wonder when to replace furnace and air conditioner. The fact that you are worried your AC is not functioning optimally is a sign that you need to consider getting a new and more efficient system. While installing a new system is an expensive investment, it will save you money in the long run. More modern systems are more energy-efficient, and they do not disappoint you when you need them the most.
