The 15-Year Rule: Knowing the True Age of Your AC System and When to Replace It
The peak of the summer heat and humidity is over, and, apparently, the ol’ air conditioner made it through another hot one. If a breakdown happens now, the consequences might not be as severe as it would have been 5 or 6 weeks ago.
If you experience significant apprehension concerning the health of your air conditioning system, now is the time to investigate a little and make plans. (If your system is also a heat pump, there is very little relief, so planning is even more important.) If you exist in a state of anxiety concerning whether your cooling system is up to the task, here are some vital bits of information to help you make plans for future changes.
Indications of Problems with Your AC System
If your air conditioner exhibits any of the following signs, it is trying to forewarn you of a coming problem.
- If your air conditioner performs poorly, it may have weakened over the years and be approaching the end of its usefulness in the near future. This might have been very evident during the last heat wave, with temperatures that climbed to 100 degrees or more. It might also manifest in “hotspots,” spaces that are furthest from the air handler closet that stay warmer than the rest of the house.
- The frequency of repairs has only been surpassed by the cost of those repairs. Look back at your records to determine how much repairs have cost in the last five years or so.
- Energy bills are unusually high. The cost of electricity increases regularly, yes, but if the cooling season utility bills are higher than that increase, it may indicate a loss of efficiency in the air conditioner.
But the true indicator of the need to replace an air conditioner system is the age of the system.
A Good, Proper Age For Your AC System
How long should an air conditioner last? The short answer is that the average system lasts between 15 to 20 years. However, there are a few variables that can make an impact on this range.
- The Climate. Some locations have short, mild summers that do not challenge the potency and durability of a system. Long, extreme summers require
- A High Rate of Use. Air conditioners in this area are called upon to deliver 1000s of cooling cycles per summer. This greatly impacts the endurance of an air conditioning system.
- Regular Maintenance. Studies reveal that annual maintenance and quarterly air filter changes will often add 5 years to the useful life of an air conditioner system.
Evaluating Your AC System
How old is your air conditioner? If it was installed before you came into possession, check the serial/model number plate. An AC technician can use these numbers to determine the year the components were manufactured, a good indicator of the system’s age.
If your system is older than 10 years, and:
- Is struggling to keep the home comfortable
- Producing higher-than-normal electricity bills during the cooling season
- Breaking down regularly, requiring repairs
- Needs an expensive component replacement
then you should consider consulting Doctor Cool & Professor Heat.
When to Consult a Pro About Your Aging AC System
Call Doctor Cool for a free AC system consultation. Our technician can assess current problems, determine the age of the system, perform a free J-Load Calculation to determine the proper size of a replacement system, and price a new system for your home. This information can help you plan for a replacement installation on your terms and in coordination with your schedule.
Let Doctor Cool assist with all of your AC system questions. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-516-5935 or email Doctor Cool and let our professional AC replacement and repair contractors assist with all of your AC repair, AC system maintenance, and installation needs.