Air conditioners are critical to maintain home comfort and safe indoor temperatures during the spring and summer. If you’ve never replaced an AC before, you may be unsure about how to know you need a new AC unit.
Residential AC units only last so long and recognizing the warning signs early can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns. We’re going to cover the average lifespan of residential AC units and share the top signs you need a new AC unit.
How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
Typically, residential air conditioners last 10 to 15 years on average. The exact timeline depends on several factors, such as installation quality, environment, usage patterns, and maintenance frequency.
The best way to extend the lifespan of your AC unit is to schedule routine maintenance at least once a year. An annual tune-up in the early spring prepares your AC for increased use during the warm summer months. Annual inspections also enable you to catch issues early to reduce costly repairs.
Signs It's Time to Replace Your AC Unit
How do you know your AC is nearing the end of its lifespan? There are a handful of signs you need a new AC unit, including:
Age
If your AC is over 10 years old, it’s likely nearing the end of its life. Once AC units reach this age, they are more prone to breakdowns and issues from normal wear and tear. If you notice your AC isn’t working efficiently anymore, talk to an HVAC professional about replacement options.
Outdated/can’t find parts
When an AC gets too old or outdated, it can be difficult to find replacement parts for it. This makes repairs tricky and often more expensive. Upgrading to a modern AC system ensures that parts are readily available when needed.
Frequent repairs
If you are calling an HVAC professional frequently for repairs, it may be more cost-effective to install a new unit than continue repairing an aging system. Frequent and worsening repairs add up quickly and may only be delaying the inevitable.
Cost of repairs
High repair costs indicate that repairs are becoming more serious and may not be cost-effective. A good rule of thumb is that if the repair costs more than 50% of the price of a new system, you should consider replacing your AC.
Increased energy bills
If your energy bills have skyrocketed seemingly without cause, it means your AC has lost efficiency. When your AC doesn’t operate efficiently, it consumes more energy than it needs to, resulting in higher energy bills.
Uneven cooling
Uneven cooling or hot spots throughout your home indicate that your AC isn’t functioning optimally. When different rooms have different temperatures, home comfort declines. A new AC system will be able to handle your cooling demands.
AC constantly running
When an AC runs constantly, it means it is struggling to keep up with cooling demands. If your AC isn’t reaching or maintaining set temperatures anymore, it may be time for a new AC.
Strange noises or odors
Strange noises and foul odors are major red flags for your AC. They can point to hazardous system failures, loose components, or damaged internal parts.
Excessive moisture
Excessive moisture is not only uncomfortable but signals that your AC is not working properly. As air is cooled, it also should be dehumidified by your AC. If you notice high humidity levels at home, you may need a new AC unit.
Decreased comfort
A decrease in home comfort is one of the first signs you need to replace your AC. The purpose of an AC is to improve comfort. If it no longer meets your needs, it might be time for a new one.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a New AC?
Investing in a new AC provides several benefits, including:
- Save money on repairs: When you get a new AC unit, you won’t have to worry about major repairs as much as with an aging system. Repairs are also often less expensive due to easier sourcing of parts.
- Increased comfort: You can increase home comfort with a higher-efficiency AC unit. A modern AC will provide even cooling, improved comfort controls, and consistent performance.
- Better energy efficiency: Save money on your monthly energy bills with a new AC. A new AC unit will work much more efficiently and use less energy than an aging system.
- Improved IAQ: You may also experience better indoor air quality when you get a new AC. This is because modern systems feature advanced filtration capabilities.
Contact Us Today
Contact Mercurio’s for new AC installation services or AC repairs in the Greater Tacoma, WA area. Call us at (360) 499-2980 for expert cooling services and fast, affordable AC repairs. Our local HVAC technicians can help you determine when it’s time to replace your AC.
