Trying to figure out whether it’s finally time to replace your AC system? We know that a new AC system is a big investment, so you probably want to be sure you actually need a new AC before buying one.
As a general rule of thumb, if your AC is 10 years old, it’s probably time to replace it.
However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule. If your AC system is properly maintained, it could last longer than 10 years.
The true sign that you need to replace your AC system is if your AC is 10 years old AND you’re experiencing one of the warning signs below:
- You’ve noticed increased energy bills
- Your AC isn’t cooling your home properly
- It needs a pricey repair
Below, we’ll explain why 10 years is the time to start looking for a new AC as well as walk through each of these additional warning signs.
Sign #1: Your AC is old (10+ years)
This is the big one. AC systems are designed to last anywhere from 10-15 years, so if your AC has lasted this long, it’s time to start looking into replacing your AC system.
Now, if your AC doesn’t need any obvious repairs, we know it’s tempting to think, “I’ll just keep my AC until it breaks down or needs to be repaired.” And while you can do this, we wouldn’t suggest it. Why?
The bottom line is you’ll end up spending more money trying to hang onto an outdated system rather than proactively replacing it.
Old AC systems will inevitably need to be repaired, and if the repair is only a few hundred compared to the thousands it costs to replace your AC, you’ll likely continue to feed money into your old system, wasting that money in the long run.
You’ll also start to notice increased energy bills because old AC systems are usually quite a bit less efficient than newer systems.
If your AC is over 10 years, we would strongly suggest you at least start looking for a new system. This way, if you are faced with a repair or your AC system breaks down on you, you’re prepared to make the most informed decision you can.
Sign #2: You’ve noticed increased energy bills
As AC systems age, their efficiency goes down, which usually means your AC bills will go up. If you’ve noticed an increase in your cooling bills with no significant changes to your AC usage or temperature settings, this is likely from an outdated or aging unit.
If you’ve noticed a spike in your cooling bills, your best bet is probably to replace your AC system. Continuing to use your old and inefficient system could cost you a significant amount of money in the long run.
Sign #3: Your AC isn’t cooling your home properly
As we mentioned above, as your AC ages, it loses efficiency, which means it usually takes longer to cool your home and can struggle to keep your home at the temperature you’ve set.
An aging AC system can also trigger uneven cooling throughout your home. If you’ve noticed some rooms that are warm while others are cool, this could be the issue you’re experiencing.
Sign #4: It needs a pricey repair
As a general rule of thumb, if your AC system needs a repair that is going to cost around 50% of the initial price you paid for the system, it’s probably best to replace the system altogether (unless the part in question is still under warranty).
For example, the cost to replace an AC compressor is usually around $2,500, whereas the average cost to install a new system is usually around $6,000. In this case, it’s probably smarter to replace your AC altogether, especially if it’s aging.
Think about it… if you bought a car for $20,000 but were facing a $10,000 repair, would you pay for the repair or would you invest in a new car instead? Unless your AC is brand new (1 year old or newer) and the part or labor is covered under your AC warranty, if you are facing a repair that is this expensive, it’s probably best to invest that money into a new system instead.
Ready to replace your AC system? Call New Jersey’s best: Air Experts!
If you’re ready to replace your AC system or you’re still on the fence and need more information, we’re the team to call. New Jersey homeowners trust us to provide them with accurate recommendations and excellent installations.