With adequate upkeep, your air conditioner will offer worry-free performance for many years. But, just like any other appliance in your home, it will at some point need to be replaced. Knowing when to get a new one is essential to avoid pricey repairs, higher electrical bills and interrupted comfort.

When it includes being cool and your house’s energy efficiency, our ACS Heating and Air Conditioning specialists have your best interests at heart. There’s a lot that goes into deciding when your air conditioner should be replaced. Here are a few points you should consider when you’re thinking about upgrading your 15-year-old air conditioner.

Age

On average, the Department of Energy says the majority of air conditioners run for 15–20 years. If yours is 15 years old, it’s well past the midpoint. It’s wise to begin preparing for air conditioning installation before it goes out so you aren’t sweltering while you’re waiting for installation.

Dependability

How dependable is your air conditioner? Does it cool dependably, even on the toastiest days? Or is it regularly malfunctioning? When your air conditioner becomes less dependable it’s time to begin thinking about getting an updated one.

Repair Costs

Over your air conditioner’s life span, it’s normal for it to need a few minor repairs. But if your air conditioner repair cost is more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s recommended to just replace it.

Energy Efficiency

Every air conditioner includes a SEER rating, which rates how well it expends electricity to make cold air. If your air conditioner was installed in 2006, it will be at least 13 SEER to meet federal laws. However, your air conditioner becomes inefficient as it wears out.

As of now, 15–18 SEER is a popular number, but efficiency can go as high as the mid-20s. Air conditioners with higher SEER ratings are typically costlier but might pay for themselves over time through increased energy savings. And purchasing an energy-efficient air conditioner, especially one that’s an ENERGY STAR® air conditioner, can make you eligible for extra rebates.

Comfort

Are you comfortable when your air conditioner is working? Or are you constantly dialing down the temperature to remain cool? An old air conditioner might have problems keeping your home comfy due to decreased efficiency. A new air conditioner, particularly a variable-speed air conditioner, can reduce high humidity and hot and cold spots. Instead of cooling at full speed all the time, these air conditioners operate at multiple speeds to fine-tune your comfort.

Noise

Your air conditioner should deliver cooling you can feel, not hear. If noise is a concern, call us about upgrading to a variable-speed air conditioner. Most of these air conditioners cool at a sound level that’s like a regular conversation.

Smart Thermostat Compatibility

Getting a smart thermostat is a wise way to maximize your energy efficiency, with minimal effort required from you. And, depending on the rebates available from your utility company, you could be able to get a free smart thermostat or get one for very little. Many of these thermostats can pick up on your temperature preferences and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. They also know when you’re at home or out and about and change temps as necessary.

If you have an aging air conditioner, a smart thermostat might not work with it. Getting a new air conditioner is a smart method to ensure smart thermostat compatibility.

Refrigerant Kind

If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it likely runs on Freon®. Also known as R-22 refrigerant, Freon is no longer being produced because of its bad effects on the ozone layer. You can see if your air conditioner uses R-22 by reviewing the sticker on the outside unit, which will list the refrigerant type.

If your air conditioner is running fine, you can keep on using it. However, if it ever experiences a refrigerant leak, solving the problem will be costly. That’s since Freon is only available in decreased, recycled amounts.

Newer air conditioners use Puron®, or R-410A. But you can’t just add Puron in a Freon air conditioner, as pressure requirements are different.

Our Pros Make Air Conditioning Installation Easy

If you’re still deciding whether you should replace your 15-year-old air conditioner now, think over this. The Department of Energy says doing air conditioning replacement for a 10-year-old model can result in 25–40% in energy savings! And those savings can really add up over time.

We realize that air conditioner cost is your top question. That’s why working with ACS Heating and Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Tucker and surrounding areas is simple and affordable. Our pros will help you select the right option for your needs and then discuss all the possibilities. These include special offers to help you save more and financing for qualified customers to make your new air conditioner work with your budget.

Reach us at 770-450-1539 to request your free, no-pressure estimate now!