Like all appliances, air conditioners have a limit to their potential lifespan. Even if you are diligent with regular servicing and maintenance, repair issues as soon as you notice them and operate the unit to prolong its lifespan, at some point it will need to be replaced. The big question is when is the best time to consider installing a new air conditioner? If you have a feeling that you are going to need to replace your air conditioner, you may wonder if there is a good time to have the new system installed. Here are just a few indicators which may highlight that it is a good time in your household.
Frequent Repairs:
Every component inside your air conditioning system is wearing down at a different rate. You are likely to already be aware of this since you may have had one or two components replaced over the years of use. Unfortunately, as an air conditioner becomes aged, the rate of component failure tends to increase, and you may find yourself in need of frequent repairs to keep the system running. If the unit is near to the end of its lifespan, it may begin to have cascade failures, where seemingly minor components trigger a cascade of other part failures. If you find that you are calling your HVAC repair company every month or two, the time has come to replace the whole thing. A replacement will not only save you hassle, but the initial installation cost can be offset against what you would have paid in repair bills to keep the old system running.
Decreasing Efficiency:
As your air conditioner has gotten old, it will have slowly started to wear out. This progression of wear will cause a steady decline in energy efficiency. This means that you could see higher electricity bills and experience longer operation times. If your air conditioner appears to be working harder yet is struggling to deliver consistent cooling results, it is likely to be time to replace it.
Springtime:
If you suspect that your air conditioner is reaching the end of its lifespan, there is no better time to replace it than springtime. You need to be realistic about whether your existing system will make it through another summer. Should it suffer a major breakdown in the hottest part of the year, you are likely to end up paying over the odds on repair charges. By preempting this and having your new air conditioner installed before the temperatures heat up, you can take advantage of special offers and greater availability of HVAC specialists. This will allow you to relax and enjoy the hot summer weather, knowing that you have the most efficient air conditioning, which is under warranty against breakdown issues.
While no one relishes the prospect of investing in a new air conditioning system for their home, it is important to be realistic about your existing unit. The best time for replacing your system is before it suffers a catastrophic failure. If you wait until it irreversibly breaks down, you will not have the opportunity to research the best deals and may end up paying more than you would like for a replacement.