When it comes to air conditioning, the average lifespan of a unit is 10 to 15 years. However, if you have an HVAC system, it could last up to 20 years. Of course, your old air conditioning system must be well maintained to last that long and work efficiently. In this post, we'll share with you the most important signs that will help you decide when to replace your air conditioner with a new air conditioning system.
If your air conditioner unit is at least ten years old, you should be thankful that it lasted so long and start looking for a new unit. Air conditioners don't usually last more than a decade. These signs are a useful reminder of how to quickly recognize a problem and, in many cases, help to completely avoid replacing an HVAC unit. Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature during the summer months requires many mechanics to work properly. If you experience any of these 10 signs, contact a professional HVAC technician.
Trying to do the repairs yourself can result in unnecessary costs if something goes wrong. Here are 10 indicators that point to the fact that your HVAC system is ready for an overhaul. If your heating and cooling system is more than ten years old, it will most likely use freon (or R-2 refrigerant). Due to its damage to the environment, manufacturing of R-22 has been phased out around the world. There are options to convert the refrigerant chemical into a safer agent. However, you must weigh the costs of this repair, in addition to others on the horizon of an aging system.
If your air conditioning system is 10 years old or older, you might be saying, “It's about time.” Your air conditioning system may have a problem with the compressor or the coolant may leak or be low. Depending on the age of your air conditioning system, the cost of the refrigerant may be higher than investing in a new cost-effective system, especially if your system uses the now retired R-22 refrigerant. Another reason could be a problem with the coolant. The local news outlet, WVEC 13News Now in Norfolk, contacted Smith & Keene as a local HVAC expert to find out. On average, air conditioning units last 10 to 15 years, while HVAC systems last 15 to 20 years. Your heating and cooling systems last longer if they are properly maintained, such as by routinely cleaning filters and system air ducts. The time to replace the air conditioner depends on whether you start to notice that your cooling system is working less efficiently than before or if you notice that the temperature is not being adjusted properly.
Look out for the 7 worrisome signs below and the possibility of repair or replacement. If it turns out that the problem is the air conditioner, buy a new system with the Energy Star logo for maximum efficiency. This test will allow you to check if the problem is due to inadequate insulation, air leaks, or old alternating current. In this situation, a strong odor may indicate a burnt cable inside the unit, while a musty smell may indicate that there is mold somewhere inside the unit or in the ducts. The lifespan can also be affected by how often you use the unit, how hot and humid it is in the area where you live, and whether the unit was the right size when you bought it for your home. There's nothing more frustrating than coming home on a hot summer day to a house where the air conditioner isn't working. Storing the air conditioning unit in a cool, dry place with less traffic traffic will allow you to reinstall the unit when spring comes.
If you want to prove that the air conditioner is the reason for high energy bills before replacing it, performing a home energy audit will help you make a decision. Repairing air conditioning units requires an expert technician, so always rely on expert advice before replacing your air conditioning unit. These repair costs could add up over time and end up costing you much more than you would have to pay for a new air conditioning system. A cooling system that works harder than it should to reach average production will be more tiring for the unit (on the path to increasing repair bills) and will cost more in overburdened utility bills. Unlike ovens, air conditioners are often outdoors and exposed to extreme temperatures all year round, shortening their lifespan. These noises usually reflect a serious problem, such as the sliding of a belt or the breakage of the motor bearings, which could result in a more expensive repair or the need to replace it if it is not fixed immediately. Having uncomfortable temperatures in your home is unacceptable, especially in the summer months when you need air conditioning most.
If you're wondering if it's time for an upgrade on your AC unit or not - look out for these 10 signs!.
