Do you know how long your air conditioner is designed to last? This could be a bit of a trick question since it’s dependent on one really big factor–maintenance.
The standard air conditioner should have professional maintenance done at least once a year, and if you have a year-round heat pump system, maintenance should be done twice a year. So long as this schedule is followed, then your air conditioner should theoretically have a useful service life of 10-15 years.
Of course, that does mean that eventually, you’ll have to replace the system. But how do you know when that time has come? Read on as we uncover some of the most common signs that your air conditioner may need an upgrade sooner rather than later.
1. Your Energy Bills Are On the Rise
This is especially important to pay attention to if you have an aging air conditioner. A properly installed, and well-maintained air conditioner should have 10-15 years of useful service life. If yours is approaching this age, and you notice that your energy bills are a lot higher than they were this same time last year, it’s a sign that it’s probably working inefficiently.
At least, it’s a sign that something in your home is working inefficiently, and it could very well be your HVAC system to blame. After all, your air conditioner and heating system account for half of all the energy used in your home.
Now, it’s possible that your air conditioner just needs a repair. But an aging system showing this sign could very well mean that it’s time for an upgrade.
2. Your Home Is Consistently Uncomfortable
It might seem pretty apparent, but if you’re running your air conditioner the same way you always have and you just can’t seem to get comfortable, it could very well mean that your air conditioner isn’t able to do its job to the best of its ability anymore. This can happen for a number of reasons, but like with the above sign, if it’s happening with an older system, it’s time to make a change.
3. Your System Needs Frequent Repairs
Any air conditioner is going to need repairs every now and then. You can expect to call for AC repairs once every couple of years or so. Or rather, you can expect to be alerted to repair needs every 1 or 2 maintenance sessions.
What you should pay attention to is if you’re suddenly calling for repairs more often. For example, if you need air conditioning repairs 2-3 times a year, especially again, for an aging system, then it’s likely that you’re just wasting money and putting off the inevitable.
A good rule of thumb to go by is if your next repair or set of repairs is going to cost have of what a new air conditioner would be worth, it’s probably more economically feasible to replace the system at this point.
If you notice any of these signs coming from your air conditioner, please don’t hesitate to give DeHart Plumbing, Heating, and Air Inc. a call. It may mean you’re ready for AC replacement in Modesto, CA, and we’re happy to discuss your options with you!