Do I Need to Replace My Air Conditioner?
Give us a call today: 877-772-6639Replacing an air conditioner can be a frightening and nervous experience for many homeowners. But the truth is with a trusted technician by your side, the decision can be very easy and the work can be done painlessly.
An air conditioner should be replaced if it’s 10-15 years old or older, or it’s frequently breaking down, running into problems, and doesn’t meet the demand set by your thermostat.
This is mostly a guideline but it’s applicable in almost every situation. Think about your air conditioner, how old it is, how it works, and decide for yourself whether it’s ready for replacement. Our team can also offer helpful advice for customers who are just now trying to figure out if replacement is feasible or required.
How Long Should My Air Conditioner Last?
Air conditioning systems all have similar lifespans, since their technology is very similar. An AC can last anywhere from 10-15 years of operation before it needs to be replaced. This is the point when components start to break down and run into recurring issues that can be expensive to repair.
We also need to talk about the efficiency of your air conditioner. Even if the unit is working properly, if it sucks up too much electricity on a monthly basis, then it’s time for a replacement. Newer air conditioners are designed with much more strict efficiency ratings in mind, so you could end up saving money just with standard operation if you replace the unit now.
Should I Repair or Replace My AC?
Here are a few rules to consider when making this choice.
- The half price rule. If repairing your air conditioner costs half as much or more than the cost of a replacement, replacement is almost always the best option. This is just a more cost-effective solution to the problem if you’re dealing with such an expensive repair.
- The $5,000 rule. Here’s another rule–take your air conditioner’s age and multiply it by the cost of repairs. If the number is greater than 5,000, then the repair is likely not worth the investment and replacement is a better choice.
Both of these rules are industry-accepted standards and can be useful in determining which service to use.
How Much Will It Cost to Replace My Air Conditioner?
Replacement costs heavily depend on factors like the model of AC you invest in, the time it takes to remove the old unit, and whether you decide to upgrade to a newer more efficient AC. Each of these can make replacement more expensive or less expensive, but the truth is that only a licensed professional who gives you an estimate will be accurate.
The size of your home, the family members you have living there, and other factors will play a large role in this estimate as well, but we’ll walk you through the process from start to finish.
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