Were you aware that professional maintenance, done regularly, can ensure the 10-15 year useful service life of your air conditioner? However, even with diligent maintenance tune-ups, there will always come a time when an air conditioner simply can’t do its job effectively or efficiently anymore.
Your choice to replace and upgrade your current air conditioner is going to be a tough call, mainly because of how much you’ll need to invest in it. But making the right choice and upgrading when it’s actually time can help you save money in the long run since you’ll have a more efficient system and you’ll be spending less on utility bills.
Read on to learn when it is time to upgrade your air conditioner.
Your System Is Aging
As we stated above, the average useful service life of an air conditioner is 10-15 years. While regular maintenance tune-ups may help it last a bit longer, it will not be able to work as effectively or efficiently as it once did at this point.
Sure, it may still cycle on and run, but you’ll notice that you have to set it lower for it to reach your desired temperature, and this is just inefficient. You’ll also notice you need repairs more and more frequently, which brings us to our next sign that it’s time to upgrade your AC…
You Need Frequent, Costly Repairs
You’ll want to keep an eye on your monthly utility bills, as well as how often you have to call for repairs. Due to natural wear and tear, it makes sense that you’ll need a repair or two every couple of years. If, however, you find yourself calling for AC repairs 2-3 times a year, it is likely going to make more economical sense to upgrade the system.
A good rule of thumb to go by here is if your next repair or set of repairs is going to cost over half of what the system is worth, it’s time to replace the system.
The System Just Isn’t Keeping You Cool
The decline in the performance of a diligently maintained air conditioning system is a clear sign that it’s time to say “goodbye” to your old air conditioner. Remember, if your air conditioner needs repairs frequently, as we mentioned above, then it’s likely going to save you money in the long run to replace it.
You Want an Upgraded System
This is a perfectly legitimate reason to upgrade your air conditioner! Sometimes you just want something better. And the fact of the matter is that today’s air conditioners are much more efficient than systems of even just 5-10 years ago.
Today’s options include inverter drive air conditioners that let you operate your system at variable fan speeds, ductless systems that have individual controls for each air handler for optimum efficiency, and more.
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your air conditioner, now is a great time to do so! Equipment shortages and supply chain issues have led to more expensive equipment, and prices are expected to rise in 2023. Get ahead of those price increases now!
For professional air conditioning service in Whittier and beyond, contact Greenleaf Heating & Cooling.