When to Start Looking for a New Air Conditioner

Thinking about buying a new AC? You have come to the right place. Trying to get through the summer with a failing air conditioner can be quite a discomfort for any family. It costs too much to operate but delivers subpar performance — not to mention it suffers frequent breakdowns. If you want to get rid of these problems, investing in a new AC is the way to go.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your trusted HVAC company in Forest Lake MN. We have been helping homeowners like you establish comfortable, energy-efficient homes since 1974. In this article, we aim to give you a few warning signs telling you it’s about time you looked for a new AC.

Immoderate Cooling Costs

When you notice a significant increase in your energy costs without a corresponding increase in power rates or your usage, your air conditioner is likely the culprit.

Typically, simple tasks like changing the filter or cleaning the unit should reverse the problem. But if the filter is clean and you just had the system serviced fairly recently, you should consider shopping for a new air conditioner. If you’re dealing with an old AC, internal parts may be beginning to deteriorate due to wear and tear, needing a replacement much sooner than later.

An Older Unit

As mentioned earlier, an old AC begins to lose its efficiency due to aging parts. If your air conditioner is over 12-15 years old, it may be at the very end of its lifespan. You may not be having major issues as of the moment, but the need for a new unit is inevitable; it’s only a matter of time.

Not only are old systems working with old parts, but they also are much more inefficient compared to new units. If your cooling system was built in the 1990s, its seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating is below the current industry standard of 13. If this is so, you are missing out on the reduction you get out of a new air conditioner that has energy-saving features that can significantly lower your monthly cooling costs.

Another factor to consider is the refrigerant used by your existing air conditioner. It’s likely equipped with R32, an obsolete type of refrigerant that has been proven to harm the environment. On the other hand, newer AC units are designed to use the more environmentally friendly R-104A refrigerant.

Frequent Repairs

Just like any other piece of equipment, it is quite normal for air conditioners to experience failures, but whenever you’re facing repeated major repairs, you have to compare the cost of the repairs with the price of upgrading to a brand new, more efficient unit.

Old AC units tend to work harder compared to recent models. Due to aging parts, they operate under pressure leading to overheating, and in some cases, total failure. Air conditioners usually suffer the most damage during the last two years of their lifespan. Replacing old parts doesn’t come easy. You may need to wait for a replacement part to be made available, which could take days, weeks, or even months. You don’t want to let your family endure the heat while waiting for your AC to be repaired!

Blowing Warm Air

Your air conditioner is designed to blow cold air, not warm. So, when it does release warm air, the unit is telling you there’s a problem. Even on the hottest days, your AC should be able to provide your cooling demands. If it doesn’t, this could indicate a problem with the compressor or it may have a low refrigerant charge. Such issues require the expertise of a qualified technician, so it’s best to call a professional. Compressor issues and depleting refrigerant charges are not simple repairs. They can cost a serious amount of money, and in some cases, buying a new air conditioner is actually the wiser choice.

Dealing with a Failing Air Conditioner? Call the Experts

Without a doubt, your air conditioner is an essential piece of equipment in your home, especially this summer. If you need help deciding whether your AC needs a replacement or not, call Four Seasons Air Specialists, your preferred Hugo AC repair and installation company. It’d be our pleasure to help you find the right system for your home.