A new cooling system can cut the average household’s energy costs by as much as 20%. That’s why it’s important to monitor the health of your AC and upgrade it proactively. Let’s explore a baker’s dozen of signs that the time to replace your cooling system is now.
Expensive Repairs
Homeowners experiencing AC problems often face the choice of repairing or replacing the system. A repair will usually be the cheaper option, but it won’t necessarily be the more cost-effective choice long term. A guideline commonly used in the industry is the $5,000 rule. Determine your out-of-pocket expense for the repair, being mindful that an active warranty can reduce it. Multiply that cost by the system’s age. If that value exceeds $5,000, you’ll generally save money by installing a new AC rather than repairing the system.
Frequent Repairs
A singular affordable repair is a good investment. Still, you don’t want to continue fixing an AC that’s prone to malfunctions. Keep track of your repair costs. If the next repair will cause you to near or exceed the $5,000 threshold, replacement is probably best.
Refrigerant Leaks
An AC doesn’t use up refrigerant over time. These are sealed systems, and a well-functioning AC should maintain its refrigerant pressure throughout its life. Pressure loss is due to a leak, such as from small cracks in the refrigerant lines. Repairing leaks can be time-consuming and expensive. A technician has to find all the leaks and either seal them or replace the failed components. The next step is to add new refrigerant to bring the pressure up to the right level.
This is where there’s an added consideration. Many ACs manufactured before January 1, 2010, use the refrigerant R-22. The federal government has now phased R-22 out for environmental reasons. It’s still legal for technicians to acquire and use it to service your AC. The problem is that the federal government banned the production of R-22 as of 2020. That has made the available supply expensive, and the price will continue to increase. That’s why it’s often best to cut your losses and move on from an R-22 system.
An Old System
HVAC experts recommend proactive AC replacement. Waiting for a major failure to occur will often cost you more in the end. The average AC lasts about 15 years. Air conditioners can last longer with proper maintenance. Yet, the longer they operate, the more prone they are to losing energy efficiency.
A new AC will cost less to operate simply because it’s newer and has less wear. The other factor is that technologies have improved greatly over the last 15 years. Manufacturers continue to innovate to reduce the carbon footprint of their systems.
Rising Energy Costs
Homeowners should track their electricity consumption month to month and year to year. A spike in usage is often the first sign of an AC problem. An older system could indicate reduced energy efficiency. You can track your usage month to month through your bill. An alternative is to invest in a smart thermostat with energy monitoring. It can alert you to spikes within hours rather than weeks.
Available Energy Incentives
There are rebates and other energy incentives that can significantly reduce the cost of upgrading. Some of these offers are substantial, but they can be time-sensitive, too. Consider the federal heat pump rebate that’s available through the states. That is limited funding, so it may make sense to upgrade now to take advantage of it.
Irregular Cycling
Your air conditioner’s cycle depends on various factors, including the size of the house and the system. That said, a typical AC cycle lasts 10-15 minutes and should occur two or three times per hour. Irregular cycling can put wear and tear on the system and indicate fundamental malfunctions. Short cycling is when the AC turns on and off frequently. It can indicate there’s a refrigerant leak or the system is overheating. Long cycling is when an AC runs for extended periods. It may be thermostat-related, but it can suggest a failure of the electronic control board.
Incorrect Size
While an AC can short or long cycle due to a malfunction, it can also be due to improper sizing. An air conditioner that’s too big will turn on and off more frequently, while an AC that’s too small will run for extended periods. This is a common issue when the house’s previous owner performed a do-it-yourself AC install.
If you suspect your appliance may be too big or small, schedule a load calculation. An experienced installer can factor in your home’s floor plan, square footage, ceiling heights, and building envelope. That will provide you with an accurate size estimate.
Uneven Cooling
As an AC ages, it’s more prone to weak airflow and inconsistent temperatures. This can manifest throughout your home in different ways. You may feel weak airflow from your vents. Some rooms may be warmer than others overall or experience warm spots. In multistory homes, it’s common to experience sharp temperature differences between the floors.
Elevated Humidity Levels
ACs aren’t dehumidifiers, but they provide some dehumidification as a byproduct of cooling. A well-functioning air conditioner should keep relative humidity low enough to be comfortable. With older ACs, many issues can contribute to higher humidity. Those include low refrigerant pressure, insufficient blower speeds, a dirty evaporator coil, and duct leakage.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
An older AC can be more prone to indoor air quality issues. Excessive dust accumulation can be a sign of an aging AC. Watch for more frequent filter replacements. Musty odors, even if they’re fleeting, can indicate microbial growth. That can be due to problems with the evaporator coil and condensate drainage systems. Poor air quality can indicate duct problems. You may also detect fishy and other foul odors due to electrical issues.
Loud or Unusual Noises
An aging AC can make sounds inside your home. That can include noises related to the blower, such as screeching or grinding, or the ducts, such as rumbling. You may also hear noises outside your home. Loud bangs are often signs that the compressor pump is hard starting. It probably needs a rebuild and may be nearing the end of its useful life. If that’s the case, there isn’t much point in spending money on an AC repair that won’t last.
Power-Related Issues
A cooling system has a dedicated circuit and circuit breaker within the electrical system. An isolated tripped breaker from time to time may not be cause for concern, but recurring trips suggest a serious electrical issue and risk of fire. If you’re experiencing these, stop using the AC until you can have a technician look at it.
Professional AC Installations in the Southern Willamette Valley
Jco Heating A/C Electrical is a local and established HVAC company located in Springfield, OR. We are a family-owned and -operated business with more than two decades of experience, and we employ NATE-certified technicians. We partner with the top cooling brands, including American Standard, Daikin, and Mitsubishi Electric.
Our company is an American Standard Custom Care Dealer and a Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor. We provide free in-person AC installation consultations and quotes and have financing available on approved credit.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or get answers to your AC questions.
WE SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS