Watching your air conditioning system struggle through the summer isn’t something any homeowner enjoys. Although you want to avoid spending money on a new unit, you wonder if that’s unavoidable. If you follow these tips, you’ll recognize if your A/C needs to be replaced and when is the best time of the year to do it.
In many cases, the ideal time to replace one of your home’s major systems is when you aren’t using it. Waiting until your A/C system breaks down in the middle of July could maximize your stress, as well as your wait time for replacement due to busy scheduling. Instead, if you know that your system is reaching the end of its functional life, you’ll be better off planning in advance. This helps you avoid sitting in discomfort for several days while you choose a new unit and wait for it to be professionally installed.
The Best Time for A/C Replacement
HVAC companies tend to get busy on a seasonal basis. Planning your replacement outside of the most hectic times will ensure that you get priority service and possibly a better price for your unit. In the spring and fall, homeowners are less likely to need either their furnace or air conditioner. This means HVAC businesses may be able to handle these major installations sooner and may also be able to offer better discounts than they can during peak seasons.
Of course, not everyone knows when it’s time to send the old unit out to pasture. We all have a friend or neighbor whose air conditioner is 25 years old and still working, but this is unusual. As your A/C system gets older, its output and efficiency will inevitably decline; while a 25+ year old system may still function, it could be costing you more to operate in the long run. Here are a few questions that can help you determine if your system is due for replacement:
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Of course, not everyone knows when it’s time to send the old unit out to pasture. We all have a friend or neighbor whose air conditioner is 25 years old and still working, but this is unusual. As your A/C system gets older, its output and efficiency will inevitably decline; while a 25+ year old system may still function, it could be costing you more to operate in the long run. Here are a few questions that can help you determine if your system is due for replacement:
- How old is your air conditioning unit? A good lifespan for your A/C system is 10 to 15 years. If your system is older than that, you risk unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs.
- Is your system appropriately sized for your home? A system that is too large or too small can provide ineffective cooling and even wear out more quickly. You’d be surprised how much the correct size unit can affect your comfort.
- Are you getting inefficient or ineffective cooling despite proper use? Efficient cooling depends on a lot of factors, but the A/C system may be the biggest one. New models have better output and efficiency than older systems.
- Does your unit need significant repairs? Over time, the likelihood increases that the motor or other major component will break down. However, replacing a key component can only improve output or energy consumption so much.
- Is the cost of repairs more than $1,000? With any older piece of home equipment, return on investment is key. You’re more likely to get a better result by buying a new A/C system than trying to keep an old, inefficient unit working another year.
- Are you planning to replace your furnace soon? You may be able to get a significant discount by getting a new furnace and air conditioner at the same time. If your furnace needs to go and your A/C is past its prime, it may make financial sense to replace both systems at once.
Waiting until your air conditioner dies abruptly in summer could be a nightmare. Choosing to replace it in spring or fall is your best bet. To learn more about how easy it is to replace your air conditioning unit with a cost-effective, efficient new system, contact us at Logan Services A/C, Heat & Plumbing today.
