What are the top 3 signs that you need an AC replacement?

Right on schedule, summer temps and humidity have arrived. We anticipate it. We enjoy it. We also dread it. However, we can prepare for it with great air conditioning. These are the very conditions that air conditioners were designed to handle.

Keeping your air conditioner running strong all summer is important to the comfort and health of your family. Homeowners should be very confident in their AC system. If, at the end of last summer or the beginning of this cooling season, you have questions about the strength of your air conditioner, you should be taking steps to determine the appropriate time for an AC replacement. Here are some of the top AC replacement considerations to help you make your decision.

1 The age of the system is always the first consideration

Air conditioners have a limited useful lifespan: the expected range is between 15 and 20 years before an AC replacement is needed. There are several reasons for this phenomenon:

• Normal wear happens with every heating and cooling cycle. Mechanical systems begin strong, and, with proper maintenance, run efficiently for many years. However, eventually the wear becomes too much.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is always seeking better, more environmentally friendly refrigerant gases. Some refrigerants damage the ozone layer, and the ozone layer blocks harmful ultraviolet waves. Older refrigerants are phased out and no longer manufactured. This drives the price of the old refrigerant very high, and eventually, the gas is no longer available.
• Peace of mind is also important. Knowing the system is old and that it won’t be long before you need an AC replacement is helpful. This allows a homeowner to plan for replacement.

2 The frequency and rising cost of repairs are also serious considerations

• Regular maintenance will catch small indications of wear and tear. As the years pass, expect that more repairs will be needed and more expensive components will need to be replaced.
• Another indicator of a failing AC system is a sharp increase in energy bills as the system loses efficiency. Watch for an increase in energy usage from year to year in the same month, since rising energy costs may mask increased usage.
• When these costs accumulate, it is easy to miss how quickly the expenses are rising. Look at your records and add up the repair costs for the last five years.
• Eventually, you can expect a costly repair or replacement. A generality that might be helpful for determining the next step is called the $5,000 rule. Multiply the age of the equipment by the cost of the repair: if this exceeds $5,000, it is more cost-effective to replace the system than make the repair. Remember, this is a generality, and your budget and situation will be the determining factor.

3 The system begins to act differently than normal

• That might include strange sounds or smells developing over a short period of time: a grinding or screeching noise, or a musty or burning smell.
• A reduction in cooling that might become evident in a room or wing of the home that does not cool properly. This is an indication of poor efficiency in the cooling system and can be a precursor to a major breakdown.

A homeowner can take such considerations and make an informed decision. Plan your replacement well.

• Avoid an emergency replacement, since this will add to your expense and inconvenience.
• Avoid replacing the air conditioner during the intense heat and humidity of summer. Technicians will be at their busiest.
• Use your knowledge to budget the replacement.

Don’t Wait for a Breakdown—Schedule Your Assessment Today!

Don’t let a failing air conditioner leave your family stranded in the grueling summer heat and humidity. Take control of your home comfort now by scheduling a professional AC replacement assessment with the trusted experts at Doctor Cool and Professor Heat. Call us today at 281-516-8043 to evaluate your current system and ensure your home stays perfectly cool and efficient all season long!