Not sure if your air conditioner (A/C) will last another summer? Could you just repair it instead of making a much larger investment to replace the entire system? In order to determine the right time to replace your air conditioner (A/C), consider these five key factors:
1. Age
Air conditioners aren’t meant to last forever. As a general rule, a well-maintained unit will give you about 12 years of quality performance. When it gets close to this mark, start saving for a new one so you can update once performance steadily declines.
2. Condition
The outside condenser unit is often the part that deteriorates first. There are many things that can cause damage or rust. Any significant deterioration can signal upcoming failures and performance issues.
3. Frequent Breakdowns
When your A/C keeps breaking down, it’s not only inconvenient and stressful to fix, it can often be expensive. If you’re experiencing constant breakdowns, it may be cheaper and more enjoyable to find an air conditioner replacement.
4. Uneven Cooling
If you notice that some parts of your home are not as cool as others, your A/C’s performance and your ductwork can be to blame. If repairing the unit itself and/or the ductwork doesn’t result in improved airflow and cooling efficiency, it is often a good idea to replace your whole HVAC system at once to fix this.
5. High Energy Bills
Older units are not only less efficient; as A/Cs age, their efficiency declines. These two factors can lead to some high energy bills, and at some point it will make financial sense to upgrade to a more efficient unit.
Should I Replace the Whole HVAC System?
Buying a newer, more efficient air conditioner requires that you ensure the entire HVAC system is up to par, including your ductwork, in order to realize the full benefits. Over time, almost all ductwork delivers significantly less air throughout your home as it could due to leaks. The most convenient and sensible time to replace them is while you’re installing a new A/C.
For more expert advice about replacing your Corpus Christi home’s air conditioner, contact the experts at CCAC.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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