Earlier this year, we shared some tips on how to know when to replace your current furnace. Now, as spring is in full bloom and the temperatures are warming outside, we’re sharing the signs you should look out for that will tell you it’s time to replace your air conditioner. (Spoiler: many of the signs to replace your furnace also apply to replacing your AC unit.)
How Old Is Your Air Conditioner?
Sadly, your central air conditioning unit isn’t designed to last forever—most are built to last around 10-15 years. While having regular maintenance done to your AC can help prolong its life, at some point, it won’t be able to run as efficiently as it used to. If your air conditioner is older and seems to be struggling, it’s probably time to swap it out for a newer, more efficient model. Don’t feel too sad about having to switch your unit, though—these days, air conditioners with an ENERGY STAR label run so efficiently that they can help you save up to 20% on the cooling costs of your energy bill.
To find out how old your current air conditioner is, see if you can locate the brand, the year it was manufactured, and/or the serial number on the side of the unit or in the owner’s manual. You can then plug this information into Google to get a sense of how old your AC might be.
Your Air Conditioner Still Uses R-22 (Freon®)
If your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant (or Freon), it’s a clear indication that you should get a new unit. This particular refrigerant stopped being produced back in 2020 due to its harmful impact on the Earth’s atmosphere, which makes it difficult and costly to find. Plus, there haven’t been any new AC models created that use R-22 since 2010, so if you do have an air conditioner that uses R-22, it’s over 15 years old and should be upgraded anyway. These days, new air conditioners use an eco-friendly refrigerant that will help you save both money and the environment in the long run.
Your Air Conditioner Needs Frequent Repairs
In the past couple of years, how many times have you had to fix your air conditioner? A patch job every once in a while is fine, but if you’re noticing a trend of calling your HVAC company every few months for repairs, it might be time to replace your unit. As your air conditioner gets older, parts of the unit will need replacing or fixing to keep it working well enough to keep your home cool, and those repairs can start to become costly. At some point, it may actually be more cost effective for you to simply replace your AC altogether rather than continue paying for repairs that string along your aging unit.
You’re Noticing Strange Sounds, Smells, or Moisture
When your air conditioner is running properly, you may hear it working, but it typically shouldn’t be much louder than a hum in the background. If you hear any grinding, rattling, clanking, or squealing, these may be sounds that indicate a larger problem, like a part that’s loose or is failing. Give an HVAC technician a call to come diagnose the problem and see whether or not the issue can be easily (and cheaply) fixed, or whether a new air conditioner would be a better solution.
Similarly, if you smell any strong odors from your AC unit, this typically means something’s off. Burning odors could indicate an electrical issue or might be your blower motor overheating, while a chemical smell could be because of a refrigerant leak, which is highly dangerous. If you smell a musty odor, you could have mold growth in your air conditioner, which can become a health hazard if left untreated. All of these smells should be addressed right away and could be signs that your unit needs to be replaced.
While your air conditioner might naturally create a little bit of condensation, if you’re seeing pools of liquid around your unit, this could be because of a dangerous refrigerant leak or could be due to a drain issue. Either way, you should get it checked out by an HVAC technician to make sure your unit is still safe to use. They will be able to let you know whether it’s a problem that’s easily fixed or whether it’s time to get a new air conditioner.
Your House Isn’t Cooling Evenly
If your home is no longer cooling down as quickly or as evenly as it used to, it could mean that your air conditioner is on its last legs. Over time, AC units work less efficiently and can develop wear and tear—the blower fan can fail, the compressor can run into problems, and your air ducts can develop leaks. All of these issues can leave rooms in your house warmer than others or lead to weak airflow throughout your home. A professional can establish what the exact issues are, but if you’ve already swapped out your air filters, fixed any leaky air ducts, and made any other repairs to your air conditioner and your home is still not cooling down properly, it’s probably time to get a new AC unit.
Your Energy Bills Are Higher These Days
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), when you look at your monthly energy bill, your air conditioning charges can make up anywhere from 12–27% of the total. If you haven’t made any drastic changes to your thermostat settings and you regularly change your air filters, but your energy bills are still increasing, it might be time to replace your AC unit. As we mentioned earlier, the older your air conditioner gets, the harder it has to work to keep up. This means that it uses more energy to cool down your home than it used to, which increases your monthly bill. Buying a new, high-efficiency air conditioner might be expensive up front, but can help you save up to 20% of your cooling costs each month, which significantly adds up over time.
Buying a new air conditioner can make a world of difference for your home. Not only will it improve the air circulation and the overall cooling in each room of your house, but it will also help you save money on your energy bill each month. We know that this is a big decision to make, which is why our team is here to help you throughout the entire process, from purchase to installation. Just give us a call and we’ll get you started on your journey to a new air conditioner today!