8 Signs You Need an Air Conditioner Replacement

When you have a well-maintained air conditioner, it can last over 15 years! However, there are many signs that you may need an air conditioner replacement. Do you want to learn more about buying an air conditioner, air conditioner installation, and more?

Read on to learn eight signs it may be time for an ac replacement in your home. 

1. Warm Air 

One very common sign that you need an air conditioner replacement is that your air conditioner constantly blows warm air. While there are a variety of minor things that may cause this, there may be other reasons that are more serious. 

For example, you may have problems with your refrigerant. While small leaks may be repaired, larger leaks may require a replacement. 

If your compressor is broken, this may also be a cause of warm air in your air conditioning unit. These issues are much more significant and may mean that you need to consider buying an air conditioner. 

2. Unusual Noises

Another issue that may signify the need for an air conditioner replacement is if your AC is making unusual noises. While there are some noises that occur when your air conditioner is functioning well, there are others that may be the sign of bigger issues. 

For example, many times when air conditioners are older, people may hear a banging or a clanking sound. These two sounds may signify loose parts, a broken fan blade, or even a damaged compressor. 

If you notice any of these sounds in your air conditioner, it is best to contact your local HVAC company! Often, they can diagnose the issue with your air conditioner just by listening to the sound it is making. 

If they can’t fix it, they can help you find a new air conditioner that will work for your home. 

3. Frequent Repairs

If your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs, it may be time to replace your home ac unit. Most air conditioners don’t require many repairs. In fact, if you maintain them properly, your air conditioning unit may only need a few small repairs over the span of several years. 

If you have had to get repairs on your air conditioner every year, it may mean that there is a larger underlying issue. Rather than going through the same stress of repairing your air conditioner each summer, it may save you time and money to invest in an air conditioner replacement.

Has Your Air Conditioning Unit Been Well Cared For?

Having your air conditioner serviced and maintained annually by a licensed HVAC technician can help extend its life and keep it working efficiently for longer. HVAC experts can also identify small problems and fix them before they become catastrophic failures.

In other words, if you’ve been taking care of the unit, then you might be able to get away with not replacing your air conditioner just yet. 

On the other hand, you may need a premature air conditioner replacement if regular service hasn’t been part of your annual schedule and the unit is becoming less efficient, having trouble keeping up with demand, breaking down more often, etc.

Invest Money Rather Than Waste It

It can become more cost effective to replace an air conditioner when the unit gets to a certain age (around 10 years), especially if it hasn’t been maintained, isn’t working optimally, or needs repairs.

Here’s a general rule: Get an air conditioner replacement when repairs will cost more than half of a new AC.

Instead of throwing away money on service for a unit that’s on its last legs, it can make more financial sense to invest in a new one that has:

• Better efficiency
• New features
• Warranty
• No problems

What’s more, a new air conditioner may help increase the value of your home if you plan to sell in the near future.

4. A Major Part Needs Replacement

If you have a major part break on your air conditioner or if you are facing expensive repairs, it may be more beneficial to invest in an ac system replacement. While it may be a bit more expensive upfront to buy a new unit, it can save you money in the long run. 

If your compressor or coil needs replacing, and your air conditioning system is approaching 10 or 15 years old, it may be more cost-effective to simply replace it. Plus you’ll benefit from fresh warranty coverage on your new unit.

If you have noticed one or more of these issues, it may be a better financial decision to get an air conditioner replacement rather than constantly repairing it. 

5. Energy Bills Have Increased

When your air conditioner is old and inefficient, it takes more to keep them running and to cool your house down. This means your utility bills will rise and you will spend more money on heating and cooling. 

Often, small fixes to your air conditioner can improve its efficiency. For example, changing your filters can improve the airflow and make your AC work better. 

However, if your energy bills are consistently rising and nothing can seem to fix it, you should consider an air conditioning replacement.

Save Energy This Summer by Switching Your Old AC to a New Model

Air conditioners are getting more efficient all the time, which is important because summers—especially in Canada—keep getting hotter.

You can reduce summer energy bills with an air conditioner replacement if you swap out an older, less efficient system for a newer one with a SEER rating between 16 and 18, which offers a good balance between cost and efficiency in Canada.

6. Your AC Is Old

While air conditioners function very well for 10 to 15 years, they can rapidly decline when they get too old. If you bought your air conditioner more than 10 years ago or if it came with a house you bought, it might be beneficial to replace it!

Even if you haven’t noticed any major issues, old air conditioners do not work as efficiently. They take more energy to keep your home cool. Because they use more energy, that means you are spending more money to keep your air conditioner running. 

Replacing the AC with something newer and more efficient can save you money on your energy bill each month!

Factors That Influence the Lifespan of an Air Conditioner

Many factors throughout an air conditioner’s life can impact its lifespan, including:

• Installation: Improper installation can cause inefficiency and wear out components faster, whereas professional installation ensures optimal performance and a longer lifespan.
• Size: If an air conditioner isn’t sized properly for your home, it won’t perform optimally and will wear out earlier.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance helps extend the unit’s life, whereas neglect can lead to poor performance, early failure, and the need for a premature air conditioner replacement.
• Use: High usage and overworking the system can strain components and increase wear and tear, lowering the lifespan. You can help reduce over-use with a smart or programmable thermostat.
• Climate and air quality: Indoor and outdoor elements like heat, humidity, dust, salt (in coastal areas), dander, and pollution can degrade components faster.

How Much Use Does Your Air Conditioner Get?

How and how much you use your air conditioner plays a huge role in how long it lasts.

For example, constant use in hot climates will wear down parts faster. By contrast, you’ll get a longer lifespan if you only use the AC in summer and don’t run it all the time.

Similarly, setting the thermostat really low makes the unit work harder and more often, so you can increase the lifespan by setting the thermostat a little higher to reduce strain on the compressor and other parts.

A related issue is cycling and recovery time. Your AC needs time in between cycles to cool down to prevent overheating and component fatigue. Proper sizing, a smart/programmable thermostat, and setting the thermostat to a moderate temperature can ensure your AC gets enough down time. 

Are You Keeping Up with Annual Maintenance?

Annual maintenance can extend the life of your air conditioner by keeping parts in good working order, removing contaminants from the system, and catching problems early. Here are some of the regular services required to keep your AC from a premature breakdown:

• Changing the filter regularly
• Cleaning the evaporator coil and condenser coil
• Removing dust and debris
• Cleaning the condensate drain line
• Checking the refrigerant level
• Inspecting and cleaning the fan motor and blades
• Clearing the area around the unit
• Checking the thermostat calibration
• Inspecting electrical connections
• Lubricating moving parts

7. Your Home Isn’t Comfortable

If you have found that your home isn’t comfortable in the summer months, it may be time for an air conditioner replacement. 

Even if your air conditioner seems like it is running smoothly, you may find that your home doesn’t stay cool as easily. You may have to run your air conditioner during the entire day and that might not even be enough. 

Another reason that your home may not feel as comfortable is if it feels humid. Many people do not understand that an air conditioner not only cools your home but dehumidifies it as well!

Because moisture in the air can trap heat, having a humid home makes it harder to cool down. However, there are many aspects of your air conditioner that help reduce the humidity. If your air conditioning unit doesn’t function properly, you may find that your home is warmer and more humid than it normally is. 

Of course your AC may not be the only cause; other factors like poor insulation or airflow may also make certain areas of your home feel warmer than ideal.

8. It Requires R-22 Refrigerant

R-22 was a refrigerant used in air conditioning systems for many years, but it was phased out in Canada in 2020 because it contributes to ozone depletion and global warming.

You can still service an older air conditioner that uses R-22, but the refrigerant must be recycled or reclaimed, so it’s going to be pricier. In other words, if you have an AC that uses R-22, maintenance will be more expensive, and it might make more sense to invest in an air conditioner replacement.

Any new AC you buy today will have a non-ozone depleting refrigerant with a lower greenhouse gas potential, so it’ll be better for the environment and better for your wallet.

Find the Best Air Conditioner Replacement for Your Home

While air conditioners last a long time, these problems may mean it is time to get an air conditioner replacement. However, you want to make sure you consult with a professional HVAC company to find a good replacement option for your home. If you want to find the best air conditioner, FurnacePrices.ca can help!

We have an air conditioner buying guide that can help you find the best features and prices available! Contact us today to learn more about our buying guides or to get free quotes for your new air conditioner unit.