Is It Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner?
Despite what the rest of the country may think, it’s not always raining in Oregon. In fact, it gets hot. This year we’ve already had record high temperatures in the Northwest. If you’re fortunate enough to have air conditioning in your home, you’re most likely well aware of the benefits once summertime rolls around. But, when is the right time to replace your air conditioner? Here are the telltale signs that it may be time for an upgrade.
Simply put, if your air conditioner is over 10 years old, it’s probably not saving you any money. The average lifespan of an A/C unit is approximately 14 years. Energy Star estimates that replacing an old unit with one that’s more energy efficient, could save you around 20 percent on heating and cooling costs. Our air conditioners come in a variety of energy efficiency levels to save energy and meet your budget. Learn more about our products.
If your A/C unit still uses R-22 refrigerant and develops a leak, it’s more cost-effective to replace the whole unit. Developing a leak can usually cause the compressor to eventually fail, even after the leak is fixed. These repairs can get pricey, possibly adding up to over $2,000. HVAC manufacturers no longer make units that use R-22 and the production of the refrigerant will end in 2020.
If you are facing an A/C unit that needs repairs or has needed frequent repairs, it may be time for a new one. It’s worth considering the cost of repairs compared to the cost of a replacement. A common rule of thumb: If repairs are projected to cost more than 50% of the cost of a new unit, it’s time to replace. Have questions about the condition of your current A/C unit? Contact us to schedule an inspection.
A noisy unit is not only annoying, it can also be an indicator that your A/C is ready to be replaced. If the unit is incredibly loud and seems to be constantly running, it’s most likely a good idea to replace rather than repair. Your neighbors will thank you.
If your home is uncommonly humid or you’re constantly adjusting your thermostat, it may be time to replace your unit. If you’re seeing excessive dust (and not for lack of cleaning), it could be a problem with the filter or a sign your equipment is outdated and ready to be replaced.
Are you seeing all of the signs that a replacement may be in your future? Give us a call for a FREE ESTIMATE for any replacement unit or to set up an appointment with one of our air conditioning experts. Not only do we offer top of the line Carrier products, we also provide 24/7 emergency repair in the Portland and surrounding metro areas.