Your air conditioner is like any other machine in that it has a lifespan of so many years before it stops performing the way it used to. Whether your AC is old, getting repaired frequently, or is costing you more to operate every year, our East Windsor indoor comfort pros will assess your home’s needs and recommend the best system for your money.
If your home or apartment doesn’t have ductwork, you can still get cool thanks to a ductless mini-split AC system.
How to Know When You Need AC Replacement?
Air conditioners are complex machines, and a lot can go wrong during their lifetime. And while most people would rather repair a unit instead of forking over the money for a new one, sometimes replacing is the best option. Here’s what you should know:
- Replace your AC if the repair frequency increases every year.
- Replace your AC if it’s no longer efficient and your energy bills have gone up.
- Replace your AC if it’s over 15 years old.
- Replace your AC if the cost of the repair is 50% or more than the cost of purchasing new.
If you’re unsure about whether to repair or replace your air conditioning unit, call the experts at Conway Comfort Heating & Cooling for a consultation.
Signs Your AC Is Failing
The last thing you want during the summer heat is to turn on your AC and find that it’s not working. That scenario is all too common here in East Windsor, NJ, but thankfully, most air conditioners give hints that they’re in bad shape and need repair. Here are some symptoms to watch:
- Warm Air: When the air conditioner only blows warm air, call a professional for repair or replacement.
- Weak Airflow: Does the air barely come out of the vents when the AC is running? If so, it could point to a failing compressor or issues with the air ducts.
- Thermostat Not Working: The brains of your AC is the thermostat, which tells the system how much cold air to make and then takes measurements to ensure it’s maintaining the set temperature. If the AC doesn’t come on or short cycles, it could be a broken thermostat.
- Odd Noises: Most air conditioners make some noise, but when you hear something out of the ordinary, such as squealing or grinding, it could be a belt coming undone.
- Foul Odor: If the smell of something burning comes out of your AC, it could mean burned out wiring insulation. Also, moldy odors point to mold somewhere in the system or the ducts.
- Frequent Repairs: If you’re calling for repairs to your AC every few months, it’s a sign the unit is failing and requires replacement.
If you suspect your air conditioner is on the way out, call an AC contractor like Conway Comfort Heating & Cooling and ask about getting an air conditioning replacement.
Don’t ignore an AC refrigerant leak! Call for help right away!
How Long Does an Air Conditioner Last?
Thankfully, modern air conditioners last longer than ever, but the end of the life of your AC depends on more than just its age. The unit’s efficiency and the cost of repairs versus the cost of replacing the unit all factor into when it’s time to replace your AC. Having said that, the average central air conditioner lasts about 15 years. Still, that number can decrease if it’s not maintained correctly, or it’s not adequately matched to the home.
