You’ve had your air conditioner for years now, and it has been running pretty well for the most part. You probably had to call for some repairs, and maybe you did some maintenance… But lately, it just doesn’t seem to be pulling its own weight anymore. Is it time to replace it?
You’re Getting More and More Repairs
For an air conditioner to perform reliably, every component and part must be in top shape. For example, if the indoor blower burns out, it will prevent cool air from being blown past the evaporator coil, and that can cause it to freeze. These types of issues will only happen more frequently as the system ages.
Even after frequent maintenance, your AC will not last forever. While maintenance can prevent 80% of AC issues and add several years to the system’s lifespan, it can’t prevent against gradual wear and tear.
Once your AC gets to this point, the cost of AC repairs will cost more than the replacement. Having to get multiple repairs just to prove a point isn’t very cost effective, though, so we recommend having a replacement unit in mind after your system has turned ten years old. Then, when the system does start acting suspicious, you’ll be prepared.
Your SEER Rating Is Below the Current Minimum
Of course, general wear and tear is going to reduce the effectiveness of your system, but that’s not the only reason why you might be feeling less cool. Older air conditioners were built with lower efficiency standards, and it wasn’t until the last few years that the nation decided to raise the standards minimum efficiency.
Air conditioners installed after 2015 must have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating of 14, at the minimum! If you compare the performance of your aging AC against the newer ACs in other peoples’ homes or in offices, then you’ll definitely notice a difference.
If you know for a fact that your AC’s SEER rating is low, simply upgrading to an AC with the minimum rating of 14 will show a dramatic improvement in your monthly energy bill spending.
It’s Just Not Feeling As Cool As It Used To
If it feels like your air conditioner isn’t cooling the air like it did in the past, it’s probably not just you. It’s a very common sign that your air conditioner is getting old!
You might be thinking that this is merely an issue of personal comfort and that you shouldn’t be so demanding of your system. The truth, however, is that if your AC isn’t cooling your home like before, then that will only contribute to efficiency issues. More time spent trying to cool the home leads to more energy wasted.
But don’t go replacing your air conditioner just yet. If your AC is experiencing these kinds of issues long before the ten-year mark, the problem could be due to something that can still be repaired. Call up a professional if you’re not sure.