No air conditioning system will last forever, although many homeowners often treat theirs as if it will. If you want to enjoy each summer in cool comfort in your home, you’ll need to recognize when it’s time to get rid of a central AC that can no longer do its job.
We know it’s difficult to make a big choice like installing a new air conditioner, but our team at ThermAll can make it much easier. We offer great air conditioning installation in Yakima, WA, and we’re glad to assist you with making the decision about getting a new one. We’ll start with this post where we’ll offer some general guidelines to help you know when you’re ready for a new AC.
Check on the AC’s Age
How long will the average central air conditioning system last? Around 10 to 15 years, although that takes into account the system receiving regular maintenance. (Without maintenance, the service life estimate could drop by 50%.) You don’t automatically need a new AC when it gets to the 10 to 15-year range, but it is when you should pay closer attention to other possible signs that the cooling system is longer working at peak level. We don’t recommend trying to push an AC far over 15 years.
Watch for Hot Spots in the House
One of the early signs of an air conditioning system that’s starting to decline is when it can no longer evenly distribute cooling around the house. The center of your home may feel cool, but other rooms will start to get warmer. This indicates that the AC is losing its cooling capacity and may not be able to keep up with the heat for much longer.
An Increase in Humidity
An air conditioning system isn’t a dehumidifier, but it has dehumidifying properties. When an air conditioner starts to fail, it leaves more humidity in the air—so not only will the house start to feel hotter, it will feel more stuffy and muggy as well.
Repairs, Repairs, Repair$
Are air conditioning repairs turning into an annual event? This shouldn’t be happening, and paying for this many repairs is money better spent on replacing the system. We don’t recommend paying for any repair that’s more than half the cost of getting a replacement air conditioner.
The High Cost of Keeping Cool
Another major warning you’re ready to get a new AC is if your current one is much more expensive to run than before. You can expect some changes in cooling costs based on energy prices, but if you factor in that change and you’re still seeing a significant rise, it means the air conditioner is seeing a drop in its energy efficiency. Most ACs will keep their base energy efficiency until the last one or two years of their lives, so when your AC starts losing efficiency fast, it’s probably in its final years.
Spring Is the Time for an Air Conditioning System Replacement
If you’re ready for a new air conditioner, the time is now! Spring is a great season to schedule this service since it’s a convenient time for our technicians (who aren’t yet busy with emergency AC breakdown calls) and you’ll have your new system ready in time for the big heat of summer. Call us today for an estimate on a new air conditioner.
Call ThermAll Heating & Cooling, Inc: We are “Your Home Comfort Hero!”