There isn’t an air conditioner on the planet that’s designed to last forever. Most units have a functional lifespan of about 10-15 years when they’re properly maintained. And when they don’t get the routine attention they need, that lifespan decreases.
Whether you take excellent care of your a/c unit or you’re lacking a little in the maintenance department, eventually, the machinery will wear out. As the unit deteriorates, it’ll throw out a few obvious signs to let you know it’s time to start thinking about air conditioner replacement. Read on to find out what they are.
1. Energy Bills That Keep Getting More Expensive Without Explanation
If your energy bills keep getting more expensive and you can’t pin down the culprit, it may be a failing air conditioner. As the unit gets old, it becomes less efficient, and that means it must work longer to cool your home and keep it at a comfortable temperature. All that additional time spent working requires additional electricity or gas, and you’ll (obviously) notice the difference reflected in your monthly energy bill.
2. Air Conditioner Repairs Cost More Than Half the Price of a New Unit
How many times have you had your air conditioner repaired? Those costs add up over time, and it’s important to consider whether continuing to pursue repairs is more cost effective than replacing the unit.
If your air conditioner is on the fritz and the cost to repair the unit is more than half the cost of purchasing a new one, it’s in your best interest to opt for a replacement. It simply doesn’t make sense to keep sinking money into an air conditioner that has frequent problems or a unit that’s nearing the end of its life.
3. Weird Sounds Are a Common Occurrence
Certain air conditioner noises are normal; others are a sign that something is seriously wrong with the unit. Whistling or popping sounds are fairly common when air conditioning units turn on and off, so if you’ve noticed those noises, they’re probably not cause for serious concern.
If you hear any of the following noises, it’s in your best interest to shut off the unit and call an air conditioner repair specialist immediately:
● Persistent, loud banging or popping
● Squealing or screeching
● Scraping or grinding
● Rattling or chattering
● Constant clicking or buzzing
Certain strange a/c noises are the result of one or two damaged components that are pretty simple and inexpensive to repair. Other noises can indicate a serious problem with the unit that only an air conditioner replacement can solve.
4. Temperatures Throughout Your Home Are Inconsistent
Do some of the rooms in your home feel cool while others feel warm? If so, it’s time to start thinking about air conditioner replacement. When you notice consistently weak airflow or uneven cooling throughout your house, that’s a surefire sign that your air conditioner is nearing the end of its functional lifespan. If the unit can no longer cool the space adequately, it’s probably time to junk it.
5. The Unit Appears to Run More Frequently Than Usual
Do you feel like your air conditioner seems to be running all the time lately? Even though your thermostat setting remains constant? That’s a definite sign your unit is becoming less efficient, which usually happens as the components age.
When the machinery inside your air conditioner gets old, it must work longer than usual to maintain a constant temperature inside your home. Ultimately, you’ll see decreased a/c efficiency reflected in your energy bills, and if you don’t address the issue, those bills will keep getting more expensive.
To find out what’s going on, call an air conditioner repair specialist to schedule a unit inspection. If repairs will fix the problem, it’s important to ask whether opting for repairs is the most cost-effective course of action. If you’re likely to need several more repairs in a short time frame, opting for a complete air conditioner replacement is a better choice from both a cost and long-term performance standpoint.
6. You Can Feel Weak Airflow Through Your Vents
When you stand near your HVAC vents, what do you feel? If you can hardly detect cool air coming from the ducts, that may indicate the need for a/c replacement.
A properly functioning air conditioner should produce a strong stream of air from each vent in your home (assuming your vents are open, of course). If yours doesn’t, it may have a compressor problem or there may be a blockage somewhere in your ductwork.
If you only have a weak airflow problem with one or two vents in your house, an air duct blockage is a likely culprit. But if all of your vents are barely pushing out cool air, the issue likely lies with the air conditioner itself. Depending on the cost of the recommended repairs and the number of times you’ve already had compressor issues, it may be in your best interest to opt for a replacement unit rather than repairs.
How do you know which option is best? Your repair specialist will let you know when he diagnoses your unit, but you can also check out Air Conditioner Repair vs. Replacement: Which Is More Cost Effective? for more information.
7. Your Air Conditioner Has R-22 Refrigerant
Is your a/c unit at least 10 years old? If it is, it may contain R-22 refrigerant, which manufacturers started to phase out back in 2010. As of 2020, the U.S. no longer imports or produces R-22, so if your unit still has this refrigerant and it develops a leak, you’ll have a tough time getting your air conditioner recharged.
Why was R-22 phased out? Because the EPA determined that it contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer. If you care about the planet (or your indoor comfort levels if your a/c springs a leak) it’s in your best interest to call a heating and cooling pro who can determine whether your unit uses R-22. If it does, it’s definitely time to start thinking about getting a replacement.
Need Air Conditioner Replacement Near Wisconsin Rapids?
If your air conditioner appears to be on its last leg, contact our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating to learn more about your air conditioner replacement options. We can come out to your home, inspect your existing unit, diagnose any problems, and let you know whether repairs or replacement is the most cost-effective course of action for long-term performance.
To get started, give us a call today at 715-421-1800 or request an estimate online, and we’ll be in touch!