6 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioning

It’s easy to tell when it’s time to replace many different products. Like milk that’s beyond the expiration date. Or the computer that is too slow or keeps freezing. But what about your air conditioning system, now that we’re heating peak cooling season? It’s not quite as straightforward.

Your air conditioning doesn’t come with an expiration date but there are some clues that it’s time to replace your unit. Here are the six signs to look out for.

  1. Your AC is at least eight years old and is starting to require expensive repairs or replacement parts. That same money could be betters spent on a new system.
  2. Your AC is 15 years or older. You’ve probably have done a good job maintaining your system over the years, and you’ve gotten the most out of your investment. But the average service life is approximately 15 years, so there’s a good chance you’ll experience a breakdown or expensive repair soon. Your unit also uses older R22 refrigerant (Freon) which is no longer produced if you need a recharge. 
  3. You notice that you’re AC is constantly running. Unless there’s an extreme heatwave or you have your thermostat set very low, there isn’t a good reason for your AC to be running non-stop. It’s more likely there’s a problem that’s causing the unit to work harder or be ineffective.
  4. Your home is not being cooled consistently. If the temperature is fluctuating or different rooms feel dramatically different, there’s a problem somewhere in your system. It could be a simple maintenance or cleaning issue – or it’s a sign that your AC is on its way out and needs to be replaced.
  5. Your energy bills have spiked. Using the air conditioning in the summer does use up more electricity but if the increase is significantly above your bills in the past, that’s an indication that your AC is not working efficiently. It’s important to get the bottom of the issue to determine if it will require a repair or complete replacement.
  6. Your AC is making strange noises. Over time, components of air conditioning systems can wear out or become dirty. This can lead to a wide variety of noises that could be described as screeching, grinding, squealing, whistling, or more. The culprit could be a faulty compressor, blower motor, or outdoor fan motor. Depending on the part and severity of the issue, you may be looking at a repair or unit replacement.

Air conditioning replacement

You may not look forward to having to replace your AC, but it’s not all bad news. Newer air conditioners are more energy-efficient, quieter, and come with an array of innovative features. For an expert opinion on whether it’s time to replace your air conditioning, call Robert B. Payne, Inc. at (540) 373-5876 today.