While a good air conditioner can last a long time, an AC replacement will eventually become necessary. There are a few common signs you should look for to determine if you need an air conditioner replacement or not. If you’re uncertain, you can always call one of our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians to get professional advice.
When Should You Replace Your AC?
A typical air conditioner can last 15 to 20 years. However, this is only true if the AC is well-maintained. In addition, how much you use your AC, your cooling preferences, and the overall climate can impact how long your AC lasts.
As a general rule, you should replace your AC if you notice any of the following signs.
Signs You Need a New AC
Through the best air conditioning installation in Portland, you can get a new AC to replace your old unit. Common problems, like poor airflow, excessive repairs, and warm air, are all indications that you may need an AC replacement.
For more information on the process and tips on maintaining your AC, check out our comprehensive AC guide.
There Isn’t a Lot of Cold Air
If your AC isn’t blowing cold air, you may be dealing with frozen evaporator coils, a tripped breaker, low refrigerant levels, or a broken compressor. Depending on the cause, you may want to repair your AC instead of getting an air conditioner replacement.
However, it may be better to get a new AC if the repair is expensive or you also need other repairs. In some cases, it may make more financial sense to simply buy a new air conditioner.
You Have Poor Airflow
Poor airflow is another sign that your AC is having issues. Airflow problems can stem from a faulty blower, leaky ducts, blocked vents, broken fan belts, or electrical problems. Before you look for the top AC installation Portland offers, you should get your AC checked out to see if the underlying cause is easily fixable. If it isn’t, you may want to invest in a new one.
Your AC Is Over 10 Years Old
While air conditioners can last up to 20 years, they are less efficient as they age. In addition, you will likely have more repair costs after your air conditioner hits 10 years old. Because repair costs and energy expenses start to go up after this point, it’s a natural time to start considering an air conditioning installation in Portland.
The AC Requires Frequent Repairs
It’s normal to have a repair every once in a while, especially as your AC gets older. If you’re frequently needing AC repairs, it may be time to consider a new air conditioning unit. Even if each repair is fairly inexpensive, the fact that they’re happening all the time indicates that your air conditioner is gradually starting to break down. Eventually, it may stop running entirely.
Your Energy Bill Is Higher Than It Should Be
To determine if your home needs a new air conditioner, you should start by checking your energy bills. When an air conditioner is less efficient, it’s generally because something is wrong with it. Unless you’ve been cranking the AC to a much colder temperature than normal, there is likely a faulty component or leaky duct that is causing your air conditioner to use more electricity.
Before you invest in the most affordable AC installation Portland has available, you should get one of our HVAC technicians to come out and look at your air conditioner. We can help you figure out if the faulty component is inexpensive and easy to replace or not. If the problem is fairly straightforward, our HVAC technicians can help you delay a replacement for a few more months or years.
Repair Costs Are Similar to Replacement Costs
At Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we always provide clients with a written estimate of the repair costs. Once we’ve calculated the estimate, we can help you determine if it makes more sense to repair or replace your air conditioner. If the cost of a new air conditioner is similar to the cost of repairing your AC, it makes more sense to get a new one.
Your Home Has Uneven Temperatures
Another indication that you need the top AC installation Portland offers is if your home has uneven temperatures. This can occur for a range of reasons, such as blocked vents, faulty thermostats, and duct leaks. If you’re lucky, the cause will be something simple. For example, a faulty thermostat is fairly easy and inexpensive to replace.
The AC Uses R-22 Freon
Since 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned the production of R-22 in the United States. Air conditioners that are over 10 years old typically use this type of refrigerant. Because R-22 is getting phased out, it will become increasingly expensive over time. If your AC is also suffering from other issues, it’s a good time to get an AC replacement.
How Long Does It Take To Replace an AC?
After you’ve decided on the air conditioner replacement you want, the next step is getting it installed. While each situation is different, we can generally replace your AC in just two to eight hours. The total time it takes depends on a few different factors.
- The size of the new unit
- Ductwork requirements
- Underlying electrical problems
- How tight the space is that we’ll be working in
- The age and condition of your unit
Anything that complicates the installation process will make it take longer. However, replacements almost always take us less than a day to complete.
Discover the Best AC Replacement Options for Your Home
If you need an AC replacement, we can help. Our HVAC technicians can calculate the cooling capacity your home needs and discuss the best air conditioner options for your home. Once you’ve chosen the air conditioner replacement you want, we can handle all of the installation work.
To learn more about replacing your air conditioner, reach out to Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today.