You don’t want to get caught with a failed air conditioning system during the Texas summer heat. One of the best ways to prevent an emergency AC breakdown like this is to arrange for regular maintenance. If you haven’t already called us to schedule this service for your AC, now is a great time.
But no amount of maintenance will keep an air conditioner running forever. Eventually, all ACs wear down to the point where it’s better to have the old system replaced. If you’re wondering if it’s time for you to get a new air conditioning installation in Houston, TX before the summer, this is the blog you need. We’ll look at ways to tell your air conditioner is ready for retirement.
The Air Conditioner’s Age
The average service life of an air conditioner is from 10 to 15 years if it receives maintenance. (Without maintenance, the number can drop by half—another reminder about the importance of regular maintenance!) If you have an AC that’s more than 15 years old, we recommend replacing it soon. It may still appear to work fine, but the chance of it suffering malfunctions, a steep drop in energy efficiency, or an abrupt breakdown dramatically increases.
The Cost to Run the AC
Regular maintenance will let an air conditioning system retain around 95% of its original efficiency until the last one or two years of its service life. At this point, efficiency will decline due to age and wear, causing an increase in the cost of operation. Check your previous summer electrical bills: do you see a steady rise that has nothing to do with energy price increases or more frequent use of the AC? You likely have a failing air conditioner, particularly if it’s already 10 years old or more.
Uneven Cooling
One of the earliest warning signs of an air conditioning system in its last decline is when the distribution of cooling around the home becomes uneven. You’ll notice some rooms are hotter than they usually are, while the center of the house is still receiving cooling. Don’t ignore this: it’s an indication the AC is losing its cooling capacity.
Increased Humidity
Although an air conditioner is not a dehumidifier (unless it specifically has a dehumidifier built into it), it will cause a rise in humidity when it starts to fail. You may notice this before you notice a loss of cooling as the AC struggles to properly circulate air through the house.
Loud Operation
A single weird noise from your AC probably means it needs a targeted repair. But if the whole system has turned into a noise pollution machine, it’s likely ready for the recycling yard.
More Repairs, More Expensive Repairs
You shouldn’t need to repair your AC biannually or even annually. That is sinking too many funds into repairs that are better spent on a replacement system. Watch for the cost of repairs as well: cumulative repairs over a year should not cost more than $500. Know the cost of a replacement and balance it against repair costs. Our technicians are glad to help you with making the calculations and the best decision.
Our integrity is our best, most used tool in our bag. Schedule service today for your air conditioning system.