Signs That It Is Time To Replace Your Air Conditioner
In the hot Arizona heat, there is no other piece of equipment or home appliance that is more important than your air conditioner. HVAC systems aren’t designed to live forever and your air conditioner has a limited life span. As it approaches the end of its useful life, it is often better to replace it before experiencing costly repairs or a total breakdown on the weekend or hot day.
Instead of reacting to an inconvenient failure, it is important to recognize the signs of when to replace your air conditioner so you can plan ahead. While it is recommended that a professional inspect and properly diagnose your A/C unit, below are some of the signs to watch for so you can call us to help.
Air Conditioner Age
While many people expect that there will be some major signs before a breakdown, sometimes equipment just wears out. The age of an air conditioner is a significant factor as to when you should get a new one installed. The manufacturer of the unit has an estimated service life which is covered by the warranty. The lifespan will vary by the brand and type of system, but generally HVAC systems that are regularly maintained will last about 10 to 15 years. If your A/C unit is close to 20 years old then you should definitely consider getting a new one!
Noisy Air Conditioner
A/C manufacturers and engineers spend large amounts of time designing systems to be a quiet as possible. If you begin to hear loud noises coming from HVAC system something is wrong. While a simple repair fix the issue, but regular and sustained clanging means the system is getting worn out and needs to be replaced.
High Energy Bills
With summer temperatures skyrocketing, it is expected to see higher utility bills. However if your energy costs seem to be higher than usual each month then you might have an air conditioner that is failing. An air conditioner that gets regular maintenance is expected to keep a 95 percent energy efficiency rating throughout its life. As the unit ages, that rating drops and energy bills rise. If you suspect this might be occurring, review your utility bills to compare monthly costs.
Expensive Repair Costs
It is expected that you will have to have your air conditioner repaired at some point during its life. However, like with any piece of equipment when the repairs become increasingly more expensive it is time to evaluate a replacement. When issues occur on a more regular basis and cost more to fix, it is time to get a new one. The rule of thumb is that if a repair is expected to cost half or more of what your system is worth, then it makes more sense to install a new A/C.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, call us today. We will inspect your air conditioner to see if it requires maintenance, repairs or replacement.