The cost of installing an air conditioner is lower at certain times of the year. However, the season shouldn’t be the only factor you consider. If your AC is showing signs of failing, you’re better off promptly replacing it than trying to hold out until the next season.
Off-Season
HVAC companies are busiest during summer and winter because the outdoor weather is at its most extreme then. Thus, installing a new air conditioner is usually more expensive during those seasons. Spring is the best time to install a new air conditioner because you’ll get a better price, and you’ll be able to test it out with summer arriving.
The AC Is Old
Once your AC is old, it’s time to prepare for a replacement. Air conditioning systems are considered old around 10 to 15 years of age, assuming that they were well maintained. Poorly maintained systems may have to be replaced sooner. An air conditioning system needs to receive maintenance once a year. In addition to extending its lifespan, regular maintenance reduces energy consumption and catches problems earlier. You will save money by keeping your AC in good condition.
Warning signs to watch out for in an old AC are inadequate cooling, high energy bills, high humidity and frequent breakdowns. Once your old AC has any of these problems, it’s usually failing beyond repair. Any attempt at repairing it will either be ineffective or short-lived. More than two breakdowns within a year is considered frequent. It wouldn’t be cost-effective to continue trying to repair an old system in this situation.
Where you live also influences how long an AC lasts. Hot climates that require more use of an AC will naturally shorten its lifespan compared to cold climates that don’t rely on the AC as much.
Your own personal set temperature preferences play another role in how long your AC lasts. If you like keeping it colder in your home than the average person, then your AC won’t have as long a lifespan as someone who prefers a warmer inside temperature.
Replacing Is Often Cheaper Than Repairing
A rule of thumb in the industry is to replace your AC when the cost of repairing it is more than half the cost of replacing it. When you’re dealing with an old system, it’s recommended to replace the AC if the cost of repairing it is more than one-third the cost of replacement.
Before It Stops Working Completely
Your inclination may be to work the AC until it no longer functions, but this is a costly decision to make. Running an air conditioning system until it has a complete failure usually results in spending more money on energy bills and repairs. You also won’t feel as comfortable inside your home, and feeling comfortable at home is priceless even if you can’t assign a direct monetary value to it.
Dealing with high humidity in your home can negatively affect your health and lead to mold growth and pest infestations. You’ll have even more bills to pay if you end up having to address a mold or pest infestation problem. High humidity also increases the risk of respiratory illnesses and worsens symptoms in those who have existing respiratory conditions like asthma.
An old or broken air conditioning system causes high humidity in your home because it is designed to remove humidity from the air. When it becomes old or in need of repair, it can no longer effectively remove humidity. You may find yourself adjusting the set temperature because you don’t feel as cool anymore at that temperature due to the higher humidity. This causes higher energy bills and more strain on a system that’s already failing.
Incorrectly Sized System
On rare occasions, a new AC might have been installed that was the wrong size for your home. If you have recently installed a new AC that isn’t working correctly, it might not be sized properly. It’s important to hire a reputable AC company to not only install your chosen AC but also to help you choose it. Only they can let you know what size you need for your residence. An installation technician needs to evaluate your home’s current insulation, structure and square footage to determine the appropriate unit. It’s possible for an AC to be too large for your home. Oversized air conditioning systems cause short cycling and fail to maintain a comfortable temperature. You’ll need to replace an incorrectly sized AC whether it’s too large or too small.
Unique Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. is a reliable air conditioning company in Northglenn, Colorado, and we’ve been in business since 2007. We have NATE-certified technicians who know how to estimate how much lifespan your AC has left, and they have a keen eye for diagnosing problems with cooling systems. Our technicians are also knowledgeable about heating systems. We can repair, install and maintain all makes and models of heating and cooling equipment. Other services we offer include air duct cleaning, air scrubbers and commercial HVAC. Contact Unique Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. for an estimate on installing a new air conditioning system in or near Northglenn, Colorado.
