Summer is the prime time to use your air conditioning (AC), especially as the seasons get hotter with each year. This short period before the warmth ramps up is also ideal for getting all AC units in tiptop condition. That said, the concerns surrounding older units are different.
If your AC was installed in 2015, this is your sign to start eyeing repairs or replacements.
The Nature of Older AC Systems
Like most home systems, ACs have a limited lifespan. Central AC units last 15 to 20 years, depending on their quality and maintenance. That said, the unit’s life expectancy can still be shorter if it’s a window-type, split-type and other residential-friendly AC designs.
What most homeowners don’t know is that the AC’s performance starts to deteriorate around the 10-year mark. Thus, units installed a decade ago may start operating a little differently from this point on if they weren’t already.
Here are several examples of the limits between older and newer AC systems:
- Higher maintenance costs: ACs that have aged usually entail higher maintenance expenses, especially if some parts are no longer in circulation within the industry. You’d also need specialists to handle these outdated systems.
- Incompatibility: Older ACs can’t be integrated with more advanced energy management technologies unless they're retrofitted with those features.
- Ease of use: Older units can also be less user-friendly than newer models, which can inconvenience homeowners in the long run.
Benefits of Revitalizing the System With Repairs
Consider having your older AC system inspected and repaired to address any issues ahead of summertime. Here are several benefits to hiring a professional for repairs.
Adding Energy Efficiency Setups
When your AC unit has problems, its energy efficiency drops because it has to work twice as hard to produce quality air. However, by tuning the unit and addressing the problems, you can help reduce that excessive energy consumption. You can even retrofit more energy-efficient components when possible.
Minimizing Breakdowns
Repairs, especially when carried out proactively, can help extend the AC’s lifespan and prevent breakdowns from occurring in the near future. You still have to be wary about the aging lifespan of the AC, but these tweaks will make it easier to maintain and fix up.
Improving Overall Performance
Repairs can help restore your AC’s cooling capabilities and airflow. Turning it on should reduce humidity to below 50% for optimal comfort. Eliminating the noise levels or odors from the unit is also a big plus to consider.
The Case for Upgrading to a New System
As great as it may be to hold on to your current AC, there are just times when you need to let go and find a new unit. Here are some benefits of upgrading.
Unlocking Whole Home Energy Efficiency
Most new AC units come with several energy efficiency features. For instance, inverter technology can help minimize wasted energy while maintaining good temperature control.
By installing a new AC unit, you can also re-explore your cooling and energy-saving tactics. For instance, homeowners can save around 15% on heating and cooling costs by installing insulation and sealing air leaks. Explore those additions to improve the whole home.
Reset Long-Term Lifespan
Repairing your AC unit can add a few extra years to its lifespan before it reaches the end of its 20-year life expectancy. Replacing it would mean rewinding the clock and having an additional two decades of optimal cooling. There’s also the potential for new warranties.
You can also pick a new unit that might be better suited to your new space. For example, if you relocated to a room of 150 to 350 square feet, you would need a 5,000 to 8,000 BTU unit for better cooling.
Enjoy Convenience and Peace of Mind
The reality is that a brand-new unit will help you avoid the stress of unexpected breakdowns. With summer right around the corner, this convenience is imperative, especially if you’re spending more time at home or working remotely.
Depending on the unit's age, you’d also find modern features like smart thermostats and advanced air purification. These can be refreshing to use compared to older items.
Elements to Consider the Most
Being at a crossroads between repair and replacement for your AC system can be challenging. Here are the elements you should review to move forward and make a decision.
Age
If you’ve been using your AC units for more than two decades, it may be time to let them rest and get a new one. You’ve maximized its useful life to what’s already expected of it, and there’s a chance that adding extra features and repairs will not stop it from failing entirely.
However, if your AC was installed in 2015 and is 10 years old, you can upgrade the components. Doing so could add an extra couple of years, provided you continue to practice proper maintenance.
Issue
The main issue with your AC unit should be the most important factor in the conversation about repair and replacement. If you’ve damaged a major component and the repair costs are too high, it may be time to replace it.
However, if you’re dealing with minor problems, consider quick fixes to keep the AC. For example, if the condenser coils are frozen, you can just melt the ice for 24 hours or less. Turning on the fan can help speed up the process, since the cooling cycle is already in place.
Budget and Cost
Try to compare the cost of repairing the AC with that of replacing it. Oftentimes, replacement should cost more by a wider margin, since it entails getting a brand-new unit. If the repair expenses are cutting it close or are as expensive, you have to use your judgment to decide if it’s worth the splurge.
When budgeting, consider how much you’re willing to invest and the returns you expect. If both the repair and replacement costs are roughly the same, it may be better to go with a replacement. After all, a new unit may be less likely to break down.
Maintenance and Overall Condition
Did your older AC unit receive the maintenance it deserved? Change filters monthly or every two months during the months you use it the most. The evaporator and condenser coil should also be inspected and cleaned by a professional contractor to ensure good performance.
Plus, is the AC unit still usable? If it’s still viable and has undergone frequent maintenance, repairs may help salvage it. However, if your AC breaks down seasonally or fails to deliver cold air, it may be time to replace it.
