Do I Need a New AC?

Air conditioning is increasingly a necessity in the home and a very large purchase. There are multiple things to consider when determining if it is time for a new air conditioner:

First is the age of the unit. Energy Star recommends considering replacement if your air conditioner is over 10 years old. If your air conditioner has made it to 15 years, it may be time to seriously consider replacing it. The average air conditioner life span is generally said to be around 10 to 12 years. However, this could be different depending on certain conditions which we will discuss below. 

Usage and environment are very important factors in the longevity of your air conditioner. If you live in a mild climate and don’t need to run your air conditioner very often, then 12 years is very possible for your system. If you live in an exceptionally hot or humid environment which requires you to run your air conditioner more often, then the extra wear and tear will reduce the longevity of your system. If you live in an environment with a lot of dust or wind, this can result in debris accumulating on coils and fans, stressing the unit and decreasing its lifespan. Units located near the ocean in salt-water air environments will also have shorter lifespans than other units. 

The maintenance history of the system is another thing to consider when debating a new air conditioner. Regular maintenance can help greatly extend the life expectancy of your air conditioner. Conditions that can put excess strain on your system can be remedied and more importantly, small issues can be detected and repaired before they result in a breakdown or a more costly repair. If regular maintenance hasn’t been performed, the air conditioner may not last as long.

Service history should also be considered when determining if an air conditioner should be replaced. If a unit has had many repairs, a new unit may be more cost effective than continuing to sink money into the existing one. If a large repair has recently been performed and there are more issues or issues that are persistent, a new air conditioner may be a better choice, especially if the system is older. However, if there haven’t been many problems, a simple repair to keep a problem free unit running may be more cost effective. 

Environmental impact is also a consideration. Air conditioning can be the most costly system on an energy bill. Upgrading an old unit to a more efficient one can save money on utility bills and help reduce environmental impact. If a unit still has R-22, a new unit may be a better option. R-22 is detrimental to the atmosphere when it leaks, and production of it has ceased causing the price to skyrocket. A unit that has to be topped off regularly, referred to as a chronic leaker, should be up for consideration for replacement. Refrigerant is not good for the atmosphere and leaks need to be addressed. Refrigerant isn’t like gas in your car, it’s like oil. If you have to keep adding it, you have a leak. 

There are many things to consider when deciding if a new air conditioner is right for you. Take some time to reflect on the points outlined here. If you would like some additional help, feel free to call us. We would be happy to assess your air conditioner and give you some insight into its health.