When Should You Replace Your Air Conditioner?
Your AC is the unit that keeps your home at the perfect temperatures. It does not get too hot or too cold. With perfect temperatures, everyone in the home feels comfortable. Whenever this important unit is not working the discomfort will cause you to call for air conditioner repair. How long can you keep repairing the unit? When is the right time to replace it? Here is all the information you need to know about replacing your air conditioner.
The Importance of Frequent Maintenance and Air Conditioner Repair
On average, your air conditioning unit should last between 10 and 15 years. It is up to you to ensure that the lifespan you get is at its best. With proper maintenance and timely repairs you can have your AC serving you for a long time.
Regular maintenance ensures that all the parts of the air conditioner are in proper working conditions. It also helps detect any problems before they arise while also keeping the equipment in its optimum condition. The unit will work perfectly keeping the home at perfect temperatures. With a properly operating air conditioner, you do not need to replace it.
As for repairs, they are just as important as frequent maintenance. Repairs should be carried out by experienced technicians as soon as a problem is noted. If you notice any change in how your AC works you need to have it checked. The issue may be as small as bad odor or as big as squeaky sounds, but all need issues to be investigated and proper air conditioner repair done. Repairs will ensure your AC lasts a long time and serves you properly. It is important to note that failing to carry out repairs can necessitate air conditioner replacement.
Signs that it is Time to Replace Your AC
1. It has served for more than 10 years
The average lifespan of air conditioners is 12 years. If you have an AC unit that has been serving you for longer than this you are lucky. You have definitely received value for your money. Air conditioners that have been working for over 10 years need to be replaced if they need frequent costly air conditioner repair. You do not want to waste too much money on costly repairs yet you will eventually have to replace the unit.
Over time, spare parts of equipment go out of the market. If your air conditioner breaks down and whatever part it needs replaced is not in the market, it is time to replace the unit. An example is 22 Freon, a type of refrigerant used in older air conditioners. Its use has been banned in the US and is no longer being produced. If your AC needs to have this replaced, you must buy a new unit.
The air conditioners you will find in the market are using newer technology and are therefore more energy-efficient. If you would like to cut down on energy bills, replace that AC that is beyond 10 years.
2. Increased Repair and Operations Cost
Just like any other equipment, the cost of maintaining air conditioners tends to increase over time. How much should you be willing to spend on repairs?
Most experts will advise that you use the rule of 5000. In this rule, you multiply the repair costs and how old the air conditioner is. If this number is 5000 or more, you need to have the unit replaced. Remember that the costs will keep increasing. If the number is below 5000, call for air conditioner repair.
Have your energy bills been increasing without any explanation? Maybe you have not added any appliance to the home and there is no announcement of price increase by your power supplier yet your bills are increasing every month. This is most likely because of the air conditioner consuming too much energy. It may have a few malfunctioning parts and it is using up too much energy to accomplish its tasks. The energy costs will end up being more expensive than getting a new unit.
If adding repair costs and energy bills gives high figures, it is a sure sign that you need to replace your air conditioning unit.
3. Frequent Breakdowns and Ineffectiveness
With proper maintenance, AC breakdowns should be minimal. They should not be frequent and they should not be too serious. If you experience frequent breakdowns you need to call for air conditioner repairs and each of these are costly.
If the quality of air temperature and humidity levels you get in your home changes, you may need to replace the air conditioner soon. If you notice that it is becoming warmer than usual, call a technician to have a look at the unit. All you need may be simple air conditioner repair or the problem may be more serious and a replacement may be recommended.
If you feel that the air in your house is hotter than usual. It is probable that your AC is faulty and not doing its job right. Get it checked. If this happens often even after repairs, consider getting a new unit. It may also be because the summers are hotter than previously (due to climate change) or the unit installed is too small to cover the whole house. Regardless of the reason, you need to get an efficient air conditioner to replace the old one.
Replacing the Air Conditioner
You may have determined that you need to replace your AC because an air conditioner repair will not give you the value for money you want. Which air conditioner should you choose? The most important consideration is the size of your house. You need to buy an air conditioner that is able to serve the whole house and keep every spot nice and cool. The AC you choose should also be energy efficient and come with a warranty. The initial costs of the unit are also important but compare this with the operation costs in order to get the best value for money. A costly, low-energy consumption air conditioner is better than a cheap one that will end up making you pay high energy bills.
If you are unable to choose on your own, consider talking to air conditioner experts. They will help you choose the right unit and carry out proper installation. Follow this with frequent maintenance and you will get a unit that will serve you for a long time.