Like any appliance, your air conditioner will have a limited lifespan. Though you can extend this period of service through regular maintenance and repairs, the day will eventually come when you need replacement. A new air conditioner represents a serious investment, however, and the decision for replacement should not be made lightly. In order to tell whether your system needs replacement, look for the following signs.
Freon Usage
The federal government has decided to phase out the use of Freon for air conditioners. The new refrigerant, R410A, provides more efficient cooling to save energy on an everyday basis. If you have repair needs for your AC, and it still uses Freon, you should go ahead and have it replaced.
Old Age
Once an air conditioner passes 10 years of age, its repair needs will increase. The ultimate lifespan for a well-maintained air conditioner lands at around 15 years. However, if you’ve used the device for a decade, and have suddenly begun to experience more problems than the past, your system likely needs to go. As a general rule, if any repair need exceeds half the cost of a new unit, go for the replacement.
Inefficient Operation
An air conditioner that struggles to do its job should get replaced with a newer model. A variety of factors, most related to age, will reduce the energy efficiency of your older unit. Newer models will boast considerable advancements in energy efficient technology, and will save you money every month on your energy bills. If you’ve higher bills or rooms that never seem cool enough, think seriously about the benefits of a new air conditioner.
At Elite HVAC, we are your local source for a new air conditioner in Orange, CA. The benefits of a new system cannot be overstated, especially if your current system has passed the decade mark. To learn more or schedule service, give us a call today at (714) 464-6622.