Replacing their central air conditioner is one of those decisions homeowners often put off until it’s too late.
How do you know when it is too late? It’s 35 degrees outside and your air conditioning unit breaks down. Then it’s too late.
But, considering the cost, you don’t want to replace your air conditioning system too soon either.
So, when should you replace your air conditioner?
How to Tell When it’s Time for a New AC Unit
While many homeowners worry about the cost of a new HVAC system, keeping an old system running can be the more expensive option. Newer systems are more energy-efficient, which will lower your energy costs, and they will save you money on regular maintenance and repair costs too. Here’s when to replace your air conditioner.
It’s More Than 10 Years Old
There are a number of reasons why, if your ac unit is more than ten years old, you should start thinking about replacing it. First, most units have a life expectancy of about 15 years. Maintenance and repair costs tend to start going up after 10 years and they can add up.
Second, the refrigerant your system uses, the thing that actually removes the heat from the air in your home, may no longer be made or imported into Canada. In 2020, R-22 refrigerant was phased out because it depletes ozone in the atmosphere. Supplies are still available, but they will continue to be more difficult, and more expensive to find. R-22 was used in the majority of AC units until 2010 when the phase-out began.
Your Energy Bills are Increasing
Older units may seem to cool your home perfectly well, but, in reality, they can start to use a lot more energy to do the same amount of cooling. So your energy bills can be a clear indicator that it’s time for a new unit.
Frequent Repairs
You might not notice it at first. After all, getting a top-quality repair can feel like you’ve added years to the life of your cooling system. However, when you need a repair every season, or more often, it would be better to invest that money in a new unit that will most likely not need repairs for many years to come.
Find out more about AC systems in our article “What Is An Eco-Friendly Air Conditioner & Why Consider One”.
