The lifespan of an air conditioner is around 10-15 years. If you've been diligent about routine seasonal maintenance, yours can work well for longer. If you haven't, you will likely begin to notice telltale signs of wear around 10 years of service, according to the Department of Energy and HVAC contractors.
“Beyond the 10-year mark, you can expect an HVAC system to start costing you to repair. They will also cost you more in energy bills as they lose efficiency, ”says Jimmy Hiller, president and CEO of Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical.
Here are five signs that it may be time for a new HVAC.
Do you hear knocks at night?
If you're hearing disturbing noises from your HVAC, those could be warning signs that your unit's life is coming to a halt. Not all noises are end-of-life signals; it could be a loose or defective part. So rely on the expertise of a trusted HVAC contractor for a diagnosis.
But persistent bumps or buzzing is an indication that your system needs to be replaced.
Is your air conditioner struggling to keep up?
The older your HVAC system, the more it will cost you to distribute the air evenly in all rooms. “If you notice that some rooms are hotter or colder than others, the need for replacement may be on the horizon,” says Pennsylvania HVAC contractor AQM Inc.
If the back bedrooms are constantly hot, while the living room is too cold, your system may have duct problems, poor insulation, or simply no longer work properly. "In the meantime, air balance can help even out temperature differences," they advise.
Are you constantly fighting dust?
With the leaky air ducts common in older HVAC systems, the fight against indoor dust is real. Dust furniture only to find a fresh layer of dust hours later. "Leaky ducts can draw particulate and air out of attics, crawl spaces and basements and distribute them throughout the home," says the Department of Energy. "Sealing your ducts may be a solution."
Does your unit use freon?
The phase-out of freon as an air conditioning refrigerant began in 1992 due to environmental concerns. As of January 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency blocked future production or importation of Freon (R-22), ensuring that new HVAC systems use more environmentally friendly refrigerants.
The good news is that over the past eight years, many HVAC companies have proactively switched their customers' systems to more ozone-friendly options. But, older units that still rely on Freon will eventually need to be replaced or modernized.
“If your air conditioner uses freon, you will have to replace it eventually to switch to the new refrigerant (R410A). If you have major problems with your air conditioner, especially if they involve the need for more freon, it is probably a good time to replace your unit, ”advises Brian Hyde, whose HVAC company works in Palm Desert, California.
Is your HVAC repairman a frequent visitor? Simply put, if you call your contractor frequently to request HVAC service, your money may be better spent on a new system. Those ongoing service calls are not only costly, but they also indicate that your air conditioner is struggling to run efficiently, resulting in higher energy bills. While a new system will cost an average of $ 4,575, it may qualify for rebates and tax credits. Not to mention, you'll enjoy more comfort at home and the peace of mind of knowing that your air conditioner is reliable and efficient. An added bonus is a lower utility bill.
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