Nothing lasts forever, especially when it comes to your home's heating and cooling systems. Sticking with an A/C unit that's well past its prime could prove a poor decision in more ways than one. Unfortunately, many homeowners don't recognize the warning signs of an A/C system that's on its last legs, resulting in a premature breakdown that could leave them without air conditioning. Here are 4 warning signs to look for in an old A/C system that needs replacement.
It's Been at Least 10 Years Since You Last Replaced Your A/C
When was the last time you had your A/C system replaced? If the answer is "over a decade ago," then chances are you'll want to seriously consider replacing it as soon as possible. Although a typical A/C system can last for 15 to 20 years, according to the US Department of Energy, most experts recommend taking a close look at your A/C system if you haven't replaced it within the past 10 years and make plans accordingly.
It Can't Keep Up with Your Home's Cooling Demands
If you're wondering why your A/C seems to struggle to keep your home cool, it could be because your unit is losing its touch. As your A/C system gets older, it slowly loses its overall performance and energy efficiency. Along with dirt and debris accumulation, overall age-related wear and tear can cause your A/C system to lose 5 percent of its cooling capacity with each passing year.
It Uses Far More Energy Than Normal
Thanks to cumulative wear and tear on various components throughout its lifespan, older A/C units may start using an increasingly large amount of energy as they age. This explains the increased electricity costs that many older A/C users face during the summer months. With nearly half of your home's energy usage devoted towards heating and cooling, you'll know when something's amiss with your A/C system's energy consumption.
The Repair Bills Keep Adding Up
Aging A/C units are often the subject of frequent repairs. Minor A/C repairs can cost an average of $315, according to HomeAdvisor, while major repair issues such as a failed compressor can cost up to $1,800 to repair, depending on the size of the unit. When the repair costs reach and even exceed the average cost of a brand-new A/C system, it may be time to consider replacing your current A/C system with something newer and more reliable.
To learn more, contact a company like Tropic Air Conditioning INC.
