When was the last time you replaced your air conditioner? Is it starting to show signs of wear and tear?
Like all appliances, air conditioners won’t last forever. In most cases, homeowners will have to replace their AC units every 10 to 15 years.
But how do you know what to do? Are there signs that you should watch for that will tell you a problem exists?
Performance
One of the first signs is poor performance. You turn on your air conditioner and it takes longer to cool down your home. You might start noticing hot or cold spots in different parts of your home.
Efficiency
You might also start to notice your utility bills creep higher and higher with no explanation at all. As the unit turns on, it takes more energy for it to complete its cycle. And that means it costs more for the cooling down process to occur. That adds up in more energy used and more money spent for the process.
Maintenance
Like anything mechanical in your home, the older it gets, the more repairs and replacement will occur in order to keep it operational. If you find yourself making more than one repair in a season, it might be time to consider upgrading to a more efficient model.
How long do air conditioners last?
It depends on many things, but in general, we tell our customers to expect 10 to 15 years.
Select the most energy efficient model you can afford. Maintain it from season to season. And it will help keep you cool for many years to come.