Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Making the decision to replace your AC unit is not an easy one.  At some point, though, the expense of maintaining and repairing an older unit will be more costly in the long run than buying a new AC unit.  Here are a few clues as to when you might have reached that point.

Not cooling adequately.
Do you have a hard time keeping your home cool? This could be the sign of an aging air conditioner or even an incorrectly sized system.  If you are not getting any cool air it can be the result of low refrigerant levels to a broken compressor.  All of which are expensive to fix.

Your AC is making unusual sounds you haven’t heard before.
Do you hear loud grinding sounds coming from your AC? How about rattling, banging, squealing, and other noises that just don’t seem right? These noises can often indicate a serious issue such as a belt slipping or broken motor bearings.  If not addressed immediately these “sounds” can lead to costly repairs or need for replacement.

Your AC system needs frequent repairs.
If you find yourself paying to have an HVAC technician work on the same system repeatedly, it may be time to replace the old AC unit. Sooner or later, it’ll be more cost effective to simply replace it.

You’re facing expensive repairs.
If you are looking at an expensive repair, you’ll want to weigh the costs of the repair against the costs of a new unit. If the cost of the repair would cover a large part of a new system, it will likely make more financial sense to replace it.

New air conditioners will save you money on repairs and lower your utility bills.

Air conditioner is inefficient.
If your air conditioner has a low SEER rating, it can cost you a lot of money to operate it. Air conditioners manufactured today must have a SEER rating of at least 13.  If your air conditioner’s SEER rating is below 13, you can cut back on your energy costs by replacing it with a new, more efficient unit.

If your air conditioner uses R22 Freon.
R22 refrigerant (commonly known as Freon) can no longer be legally manufactured or imported into the United States.  If your air conditioner repair requires a recharge of R22 it can be very costly. If this is the case, it’s probably a good time to replace your unit.

General lifespan of a central air conditioner.
Central air conditioners typically last from 12 to 15 years.  If your AC is 10+ years old and has had repair issues, or if it is 15+ regardless of repair history, replacing it before a major mechanical failure occurs might save you money and from being days without AC during a really hot stretch of weather.

Let Mecko’s Help
Take advantage of Mecko’s AC Super Tune-Up Special. We’ll perform our 11-Point inspection of your air conditioning system for $79.00.  We’ll give you an honest assessment of your air conditioner and whether or not it is time to replace it.

To schedule an appointment online go to Service Request or call us at 765-447-7555.