Knowing when it is the right time to replace an old AC is especially important in keeping your home cool during the hot Arizona summer. However, this isn’t always straightforward, as some air conditioners continue to work effectively and last much longer than others. That’s why you should focus on all the factors and signs discussed in this article to ensure you don’t delay in scheduling an AC replacement.
AC Is at Least 15 Years Old
Air conditioners can last 20 years or longer. However, you typically see a significant decrease in energy efficiency and performance after about 12 to 15 years. Once an AC reaches this age, the chances of it breaking down in the summer increase. This issue is one reason we recommend replacing your AC before it reaches 15 years. If it fails during the summer, it will almost certainly take at least a day or two to replace. This is especially concerning in Arizona, as your house can quickly become so hot that staying in it becomes unsafe due to the extreme heat’s health risks.
High Electricity Bills Are Usually the First Sign
In Arizona, you can expect your electricity bills to be significantly higher during the middle of summer due to the extreme heat and the workload of your air conditioning. However, as long as you keep your AC properly maintained, the energy it uses during a typical summer won’t fluctuate much. Your bills may be higher if your electricity rates change, but there shouldn’t be a major increase in your energy consumption. If you notice a spike in electricity usage compared to previous years, it’s a sign that your AC is no longer working efficiently and should be replaced soon.
AC Keeps Needing Repairs
Another thing to monitor is whether your AC breaks down regularly or requires frequent repairs. Frequent breakdowns occur when the AC doesn’t cool effectively, causing it to run more and suffer increased wear and tear. Issues like insufficient refrigerant also stress components, leading to wear and breakdowns in the AC system. Once an AC begins developing multiple issues, you can be confident it will continue to have more problems. In this case, it makes more sense to invest in replacing the system rather than continually spending money on an old, failing unit.
Repair Cost Is Half of the Cost of a New AC
Some AC repairs are inexpensive, while others can exceed $500 to $1,000. Spending $500 or $1,000 on a repair can make sense if you expect it will extend your AC’s lifespan. However, there are many instances when that money is better spent on a replacement. When evaluating whether to repair an AC, HVAC professionals typically apply the rule of $5,000. This rule states that if the cost of the repair multiplied by the age of the AC system exceeds $5,000, the system isn’t worth repairing. In other words, there’s no reason to spend $500 on a 10-year-old system since it likely has a few years of life remaining.
What to Look for When Installing a New AC
Choosing the right AC to install can be challenging given the numerous options available. First, ensure you know the appropriate size air conditioner needed, which requires a technician to evaluate your home and determine your specific cooling requirements. An undersized or oversized AC wastes money, as it operates inefficiently, consumes more energy, and has a shorter lifespan.
Focusing on energy efficiency ratings is crucial since efficiency directly influences your air conditioning costs. Always aim to select the most efficient unit within your budget. You might find a higher-rated unit at a minimal additional cost, thanks to the $600 federal income tax credit for installing a high-efficiency AC.
Work with Trusted HVAC Pros
Axis Air Conditioning provides honest, dependable HVAC services to homeowners and businesses throughout Mesa and the surrounding Phoenix metro area. We install quality Lennox cooling and heating equipment and other brands. We ensure that your AC installation goes smoothly, guaranteeing you get the right unit for your needs.
Additionally, we have financing options available upon approved credit to help with the costs of installation and the unit. To get help determining if now is the right time to replace your AC, contact us today.
