Your home AC is something you might not think much about until it stops working. However, before that happens, your system may be subtly letting you know it requires replacement. If you’re not looking for the signs, though, you may get stuck with a failed AC when you can least afford it. To avoid that, here are some unmistakable signs that it’s time for a new model.
Your AC Is Approaching 15 Years Old
On average, a central AC will have a lifespan of approximately 15 years. That assumes, of course, that you’re maintaining it appropriately. Otherwise, your AC may last 10 years or less. Either way, age is one of the most significant indicators of an HVAC system requiring replacement. If yours is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, you should start shopping for a new AC. A preemptive replacement allows you the time to evaluate your options carefully. If you wait until your AC fails, the situation may force you to purchase the first available model to get it installed as soon as possible, and it may not necessarily be the one you want.
Increasing Repair Frequency
Statistically speaking, an AC will experience its most frequent breakdowns within the last two years of its life. You can use that information to tell when it’s time for a new system. Essentially, you can interpret it to mean that your AC should never need more than one significant repair per year. So, if your AC experiences two costly failures within any 12-month span, it’s likely on its last legs. Rather than pay for endless repairs, you’re likely better off opting for a replacement instead.
Your AC Violates the Rule of $5,000
When your AC breaks down and needs costly repairs, they may not always be worth it. There’s even a mathematical formula you can use to judge for yourself. It’s called the rule of $5,000. To use it, take the estimated cost of your needed repair and multiply it by the age of the system. If the result comes to more than $5,000, the repair is a poor investment. The formula indicates whether you’re likely to get enough future use out of your AC to justify the repair cost. A high number means that your AC will likely need replacement before you get your money’s worth.
Your AC Develops a Significant Refrigerant Leak
You may not know it, but the refrigerant in your AC runs through a sealed system. When operating correctly, that means your AC should never need a refrigerant recharge. If you’ve ever had an HVAC company recommend topping up your refrigerant, they’re ignoring that crucial fact. It means your AC has a refrigerant leak that needs addressing. If you don’t find and fix the leak, you can expect your AC to fail sooner rather than later. Running with low refrigerant will reduce cooling capacity. It may also lead to the compressor overheating, since refrigerant carries lubricants the compressor needs. So, if your AC has a significant refrigerant leak, replacing it is sometimes a better long-term investment.
Rising Cooling Bills
It’s an undeniable fact that even the best-maintained AC will lose efficiency as it ages. That’s due to the inevitable wear and tear that comes with regular use. So, if you’re seeing a slow, creeping increase in your cooling costs, it may be age catching up with your AC. There’s no magic cooling cost figure you can use as a sign it’s time for a new AC. However, you can use your cost increases to estimate how much efficiency your AC has already lost. To do it, you’ll need some recent and historical energy bills.
First, come up with an average cost estimate for the first two years that your AC has been operating. Then, compare that to an estimate of its most recent two years. Although changing outside temperatures can play a role in costs, multi-year averages help eliminate them as a factor. Depending on the age of your AC, you may find that your current cooling costs surpass those from the first years that your AC ran. If that’s the case, it’s probably time for an AC replacement.
If rising operating costs are a major concern for you, you should consider a high-efficiency AC or heat pump. Our experts can work with you to figure out how much efficiency is worth paying for, given your household’s needs. You can count on us to recommend a system that will save you money without breaking your installation budget.
Persistently Poor Cooling Performance
It’s an unfortunate reality that an AC purchased a decade ago may not meet your household’s cooling needs today. It can happen as a result of declining performance combined with rising summer temperatures. The bottom line, however, is that your AC needs replacement if it no longer adequately cools your home. During the AC replacement process, we can evaluate the heat load of your home to determine its required AC capacity. You may benefit from sizing up your AC from its previous unit to cope with rising heat.
Unusually High Indoor Humidity
The average humidity here in Playa Vista, CA, hovers between 50% and 65% year-round. That’s well within the average ability of your AC to cope. So, if you’ve noticed an unusual increase in the indoor humidity of your home while your system runs, it’s telling you something. It may mean that your AC has a refrigerant leak. Or, it could be telling you that your AC has an airflow issue that’s sapping its dehumidification capabilities. Either way, your AC needs professional attention at a minimum, and it may be time to consider replacing it.
Your AC Grows Noisier Daily
Even when new, an AC, like any other machine, will make some noise. However, it shouldn’t take you long to get used to the types of sounds your AC makes. If those sounds start changing and growing louder, however, you shouldn’t ignore them. That especially applies to sounds coming from your outdoor unit. If you hear what sounds like banging coming from your outdoor unit, your compressor could be failing. A compressor replacement is one of the costliest repairs an AC could need. Unless your AC is relatively new, the repair is rarely worth it. Instead, you should start planning for an AC replacement immediately.
Local AC Replacement Specialists
Here at Belle Air Services, we know an AC replacement isn’t something most Playa Vista homeowners look forward to. However, we strive to make the process as fast, affordable, and stress-free as possible. We’re a women-owned HVAC company with a team of highly-trained and experienced HVAC technicians. We’re a Daikin Certified Comfort Pro and a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Contractor. That means we sell and install some of the most innovative and advanced ACs on the market.
Plus, we provide financing options on approved credit to help you afford a new AC when you need one. So, when the time comes for an AC replacement for your Playa Vista home, call the experts at Belle Air Services immediately!
