Signs That You Need To Replace Your Air Conditioner

by Brittany W. Content Writer

Most of us wish that our systems could last forever. Fifteen years or so is the most you can get out of an average system with proper maintenance. There will eventually come a time when you need to replace your HVAC in Port St. Lucie.

It’s not an easy investment to make. Air conditioners cost a lot and you have to keep many factors in mind when getting new systems.

So it’s understandable why many people would prefer using their old system until it’s beyond repair.

But it might be more efficient to replace the system. You won’t have to worry about the system breaking down often during summer. New air conditioners tend to be more energy-efficient and have many useful features.

Here are some signs that you should shop around for a new AC sooner than later:

Ten Years Or More Have Passed

According to air conditioning experts, an AC can last between ten to fifteen years. Some units can last longer if they are well-maintained while some may break down sooner without proper upkeep.

If your unit has reached this threshold, then you might want to search online for newer options. Because older units tend to break down often and add to the repair bills. They may also not be very energy-efficient or convenient to use.

Of course, if your old unit works fine, then you can work with it as long as it doesn’t cause you too much trouble.

Frequent Repairs

It’s normal to call a technician for air conditioning repair in Port St. Lucie from time to time. Air conditioners run for long hours, which can wear a few parts. But if you have to call a technician every month or so, then you have a big problem.

AC repair bills can add up over time, which might make repairing the unit pointless. There’s also the inconvenience of waiting for the repairs to be over while sweating it out.

Expensive Repair

In some cases, you might just need to replace one part but it costs too much to be worth it. It could be due to various reasons like the part being out of production.

If the cost of the repair could cover a huge portion of installing a new AC, then consider the latter. This is especially important if your warranty has expired and won’t help you save money on repairs.

Knowing the age of your unit can also help with the estimate. Multiply your AC’s age with the repair bill. If it’s above five thousand, then you should look at catalogs of new air conditioners.

Wrong Capacity

Many homeowners buy an air conditioner with a capacity that’s either too high or too low for their requirements. Both the cases can prove inconvenient for you.

A unit with too much capacity could short cycle while having less could mean it can’t cool your room properly. You can work around these issues without a replacement but replacing the AC might be more efficient.

Getting the right capacity is essential for efficient cooling. You need to consider various factors like your room’s size, insulation, etc.

Lacks Energy-Efficiency

Older air conditioners tend to be energy-efficient because they were not designed with efficiency in mind. This could add up in your monthly utility bills, especially with companies always looking for ways to hike them. Getting an energy-efficient AC can help you save money on your electricity bills.

Those concerned about global warming may also see the benefit of using an energy-efficient AC. The less energy you use, the fewer fossil fuels have to burn to produce it. Which means fewer fumes going up into the atmosphere.

Check the unit’s SEER rating before purchasing it. A unit with a higher rating is more energy-efficient than ones with a lower rating.

Freon-Based System

Freon or R22 is a refrigerant used by some old air conditioners. It’s harmful to the ozone layer due to which the EPA banned its production and import in 2020.

You can still get it refilled by a certified technician, but it will be costly and damages the ozone layer.

It’s not possible to use the newer R410A or Puron, in Freon-based systems. You’ll need to get a new AC if you don’t want to rely on Freon.