4 Signs It's Time For A New AC

Air conditioners seem to break down at the most inconvenient time, usually on the hottest day of the year. Instead of waiting until your cooling system won’t turn on when you need it—be proactive and schedule replacement. There are a number of indications that it’s time to replace the AC, but there are 4 signs that a breakdown could be imminent.

1. Increased Need for Repairs

As air conditioners age, there’s an increased chance for more repairs—especially systems that haven’t been properly maintained with annual inspections or tune-ups. However, if you’re having to call an HVAC technician to your home multiple times a season for repairs, it’s definitely a sign that you’re going to need air conditioner replacement in the near future.

2. Energy Bills are Increasing and Comfort is Decreasing

An AC system that is struggling to keep your home cool and comfortable will likely use more energy. Monthly hydro bills that are creeping up—without any explanation—is often an indication that an air conditioner won’t last much longer.

3. New and Strange AC Sounds

An AC system should be unobtrusive—you shouldn’t really hear it while it’s running. However, when parts start to wear down or need to be replaced, you could start hearing grinding or whining sounds. If your air conditioner starts operating loudly, it’s often a symptom of a bigger problem and could be a sign of a complete system shut-down.

4. Air Conditioner Age Decades Old

Air conditioners don’t last forever; the average lifespan of a system is between 15 to 20 years. That means systems that were installed in the early 2000s (or earlier) will likely need replacement soon. Make sure you know the date your system was installed so that you can properly budget and plan for replacement.

If you think it's time for an AC upgrade.