When you Should Get your Central Air Conditioner Replaced

When to Replace Central Air Conditioner

The Central Air Conditioner is a crucial component in making any home comfortable. This goes true especially in locations that experience really hot and humid summer months because usually the temperature outside the home is unbearable.

Trends in Central Air Conditioning for Modern or Renovated Homes
Homeowners should know when it is best to replace their central air conditioning unit.

But like any other home furnishing, the Central Air Condition System is also subject to wear and tear, and only has a certain lifespan. Yes it may work well beyond its intended lifespan of at least 13-15 years, but usually when it reaches its 15th year of operation it may not work as optimal as it should. Moreover, after 15 years of purchase, there will be newer and more energy efficient technologies that are cheaper to run, and lower in carbon footprint energy-consumption wise.

So when should a home consider replacing its Central Air Conditioning unit?

Age and Energy Efficiency

Apart from age, HVAC experts say one of the best indicators as to whether a central air conditioner should be replaced is its energy efficiency. Newly manufactured units take less energy to operate which means they consume less electricity. The savings alone from lower electric bills month for month can compensate for the new purchase, versus operating the older one which can demand more energy to cool the whole house.

Constant need for repairs

Another factor that has to be considered on the timing of a replacement of a central air conditioning unit is need for repairs. Does the unit break down most of the time? Does it need repairs every now and then? Usually the amount of repairs versus the age of the central air conditioning unit, clue in a homeowner as to whether it is still practical to repair or replace a central air conditioning unit.

A trustworthy expert HVAC contractor can help determine this, but usually when repairs are being carried out way to often then that should be considered as a red flag.

The need for refrigerant

A top up of refrigerant can also mean that the unit is performing less than optimal than it should be. Refrigerant top ups could be an added expense to the home service costs charged by HVAC professionals in servicing the central air conditioning unit. Moreover, it could also indicate that the central air conditioning unit has leaks that may have to be repaired every now and then.

The constant need for repairs and refrigerant top up should be an eye opener for the homeowner to closely consider replacing their current central air conditioning unit. The service charges are bound to get higher and pile up, and the service calls will just get to be more often. It may be wise for the homeowner to do the math and see for himself whether it is still practical for him to keep his older unit.

Skyrocketing electricity bills

When the bills get even higher, even if it is not high air conditioning demand season like summer, then it may be best to have the central air conditioning units checked. If the rate of power consumption still does not change after a through professional cleaning and check-up, then replacing the unit with a newer, more energy efficient one should be strongly considered.

What to keep in mind when buying a new central air conditioning unit

Energy Star ratings are a good indicator on the energy efficiency levels of any powered appliance, including Central Air-conditioning Units.  Homeowners must check out the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio of the unit they are looking to buy, and compare it with the other units, brands or models on their list. That should at least guide the on what to buy to replace their current unit.

Here’s a guide on when to replace a Central Air Conditioning System.