Ask the Expert: When Should I Consider Upgrading or Replacing My Air Conditioning System?

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Posted by: , State Certified Air Conditioning Contractor.

When to replace an air conditioning system is a question that I get very often. Sometimes a series of minor repairs leads you to think that a new system is needed when regular maintenance may be all you need to keep your system running efficiently and effectively.

An important question to ask is, “How efficient is my system?” If your central air conditioner is 10 years old or older, it probably uses twice as much electricity than a new system would use. Some customers have cut their energy bills in half after installing a new high-efficiency system. In these cases, the replacement unit quickly pays for itself.

If the repairs have been common, simple ones–like clearing debris from a clogged condenser or replacing a broken fan belt—your system may just be suffering from a lack of maintenance. I recommend that you have maintenance done on your system at least once a year. If repairs have been more extensive and include major parts replacement, this may indicate that your system is nearing the end of its life span.

A full evaluation of your system and duct work may be a good first step to determine how it matches up to today’s efficiency standards. Catching small problems before they become big issues can save time, money and days without air conditioning. We can also help you solve common comfort problems, such as high indoor humidity levels and rooms that don’t get cool enough. Take advantage of our system maintenance which we provide as a separate service to keep your system properly functioning. Contact us to request a free no-obligation consultation.