Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner?

We are still several weeks away from summer, but the signs are there.  Kids are outside.  Maybe you’ve uncovered the lawn furniture or begun spring planting.  

No matter, it is also time for you to start thinking about when to replace your air conditioning unit.  One thing you don’t want to have happen is for it to go out and you have to find a replacement during a heat wave.  Rather, think about replacing your AC unit now if any of the following are true.

1. How old is your AC?  Most air conditioning units last 15 to 18 years.  If yours is that old, even if it is running OK now, know that it is living on borrowed time and doesn’t owe you anything.  
2. Repairs are getting more frequent and expensive.  One relatively simple benchmark is the 5,000 rule.  Multiply the age of the equipment by the repair cost.  If the result is more than $5,000, consider replacing it.
3. Your unit is not energy efficient.  Note that heating and cooling can account for half your energy costs, so if your AC unit is not efficient, it can be costing you lots of money.  This is also a function of age, as older units tend to be less energy-efficient.  You can tell by the SEER rating.  This is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which measures air conditioning cooling efficiency.  It is calculated by taking the cooling output for a typical cooling season and dividing it by the total electric energy input during the same time frame. A higher SEER rating means greater energy efficiency.  If your unit’s rating is 13 or below, it might make sense to consider a new unit.  The energy savings you will realize will convert into a quicker payback on your AC investment.  Also, if your utility costs are going up and you have not changed how you use your system, than can be a sign your system is losing efficiency.
4. Your home is not comfortable.  Another sign of aging is that you are running your unit like you always have, but you are not getting the same cooling effect.  But this could also mean your unit is undersized for your house, especially if you have recently added on to your house.
5. Your unit uses R 22 Freon.  Freon is being phased out because it is an ozone-depleting chemical.  So Freon prices are rising dramatically.  If your unit uses R 22 Freon, you will have to switch eventually to R410A.  Consider switching now to a unit that uses the more energy efficient and less costly refrigerant.
6. Your outdoor unit is noisy.  This could mean there is a problem with the compressor or condensing fan motor.  These repairs can be an expensive.  If noises are coming from inside, the problem could be the blower motor or undersized ducts.
7. Inconsistent cooling and humidity. If your system is not maintaining consistent temperatures and humidity, it could be a sign there is a problem.