When Do I Need a New Air Conditioner?
July 20, 2023
A new air conditioner is a significant investment, but one that will ensure you enjoy comfort at home for many years to come. Determining whether your air conditioner needs to be repaired or replaced can be tricky, but there are a few telltale signs that can indicate the need for a new air conditioning system. An HVAC professional can help you make the right call so you can maintain a cool, comfortable home at low financial cost.
When Your A/C Is Over 10
Air conditioners are designed to last an average of ten years. Of course, this timeframe is only an estimate, and it’s important to note that some appliances will last much longer with the right kind of care. Alternatively, a poorly-maintained air conditioner may not last a full decade before requiring replacement. A good rule of thumb is that if your air conditioner breaks when it is well under ten years old, chances are that a simple repair may fix it. However, if your air conditioner is over ten years old and is experiencing significant or frequent problems, it’s likely time to consider replacing it.
When Your Repair Bills Are High
Significant problems that result in high repair bills are a sign that you should consider replacing your air conditioner. Most typical air conditioner issues can be solved with low-cost repairs and replacement parts. However, more widespread problems with higher repair bills typically indicate that your air conditioner is experiencing major problems. In some cases, the money you might spend paying for extensive repairs could be better spent on a new unit. Putting that money toward a newer, more efficient air conditioner may be the more economical choice.
When Your Air Conditioner Uses R-22
R-22, also called Freon, is a refrigerant that is currently being phased out of use in the U.S. due to environmental concerns. While new R-22 can still be imported for the purpose of repairing air conditioners that currently use this type of refrigerant, the cost of R-22 is increasing due to more limited supplies. If your air conditioner currently uses R-22, it will only become more expensive to operate and repair over time. Replacing your air conditioner sooner rather than later will keep the costs of maintaining and repairing it low today and in the future.
When Your Air Conditioner Can’t Cool Your Home
If you’ve added on to your home recently, your air conditioner may not be up to the task of cooling a larger space. Alternatively, perhaps your air conditioner has never been able to deliver the effective cooling you truly want. If your air conditioner is not properly sized for your home, no amount of repairs or maintenance will improve its cooling capacity. Replacing your current unit with one that is properly sized will solve your cooling issues and also help you cool your home for less.
If you have any question as to whether your air conditioner needs to be replaced, a CWA technician will be happy to perform a free in-home HVAC evaluation. Visit us on the web to learn more about our evaluation process or to schedule a visit in Columbus. Our blog contains additional helpful articles on HVAC repair, replacement, upgrades, and more.