It’s that time of year. The weather is getting gorgeous, the flowers are blooming, and before you know it, we’ll be hit with some serious summer heat. If your air conditioner is in reasonable shape and is not too old, you’ll need to have maintenance done so it’s ready for the hard work ahead. But what if your air conditioner is not in good shape, or is getting really old?
At some point, you’ll need to make the decision to replace your air conditioner. How can you tell whether you need to do that yet? Is there a formula to help you figure it out? This guide to AC replacement can help you weigh your system’s condition, age, and repair costs to make an informed decision. We’ll give you our recommendations on how to determine whether it’s time for a new AC installation, or whether you should keep your old one a bit longer.
How AC Age Affects Performance
With proper care, an AC system should last at least ten years. Frequently, they’ll last more than twelve. If your air conditioner is over that age, it is only a matter of time before it breaks in a way that cannot reasonably be fixed. If you want to avoid a sudden, urgent need for AC replacement coming up during a heat wave, you might prefer to plan replacement now.
Checking Your AC’s Overall Condition
When we mention proper care, what we’re talking about is maintenance. This means both professional maintenance being performed annually and the one type of DIY maintenance you should be doing even more often, changing the air filter. An air conditioner that does not receive this care will be in poorer condition and will age faster, often not lasting more than seven or eight years.
Is AC Repair Still Worth the Cost?
Does your air conditioner require a major repair in order to make it through another summer? One guideline for weighing repair versus replacement is to consider the cost of each. If the repair would be 50% or more of the cost of buying a new AC unit, the replacement is probably the better investment.
Are You Constantly Repairing Your AC?
How often have you needed to have your air conditioner repaired during the last couple of years? It might not have been very costly each time, but don’t forget, those repairs add up. And as your air conditioner ages, it will only need repairs like that more and more frequently. If you’re already requiring repairs more than once a year, you should seriously consider replacement.
How Efficient Is Your Air Conditioner?
If your air conditioner is several years old, it simply won’t be as efficient as your new options. In fact, there have been such great advances in AC technology in recent years, that the new units are much more efficient than your older one was even when it was brand-new. If you’re concerned about your energy use, investing in a high-efficiency air conditioner would significantly reduce it.
What Is the AC “5,000 Rule” and When to Use It?
Here’s one more thing to consider: the 5,000 rule. Multiply the age (in years) of your air conditioner by the cost (in dollars) of the repair it requires. If the answer is over 5,000, it’s recommended that you choose replacement rather than repair. Also, consider why professional HVAC installation matters when it comes to ensuring your new system performs efficiently and lasts as long as possible.
If you are ready to learn more about your options for AC installation in Cumming, GA, we’re ready to help you get started.
To speak with a member of our team, contact DC Cheek Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today. Fixed, At the Speed of Life!
