They say all good things must come to an end, and that certainly applies to air conditioners.
But how, exactly, will you know when your air conditioner is ready to be removed and replaced? Here are four indicators that will let you know …
#1 Your air conditioner is nearing the end of its expected lifespan
Some HVAC technicians believe air conditioners should be replaced when they reach the age of 15. Others prefer to make their evaluations based on the so-called “5,000 rule.” According to this standard, when the price of a quoted repair multiplied by an AC’s age in years surpasses the number 5,000, it is time to get a new unit (for example, if $400 of repairs are needed on a 14-year old air conditioner, 400 X 14 = 5,600 so it’s time to say goodbye).
At Alison Air Conditioning we’re not sure you should decide when to get rid of your air conditioner based on age alone. But we can tell you this: if your air conditioner was installed more than 10 years ago, a modern, energy-efficient unit from Carrier (like those we are proud to sell and install) could reduce your annual heating and cooling bills by as much as 20 percent annually.
#2 Multiple repairs have been required to keep your air conditioner functioning
As a rule of thumb, the first time your air conditioner breaks down you should probably have it repaired, regardless of its age. But if it breaks down a second time, and you are forced to summon a technician to fix it again, you should start shopping for a replacement.
This is especially true if the cost of the second repair is higher than the first; this a sure sign that an air conditioner has begun its long march to the HVAC graveyard.
# 3 Refrigerant is leaking and needs to be replenished
If your AC runs but stops cooling it may have developed a refrigerant leak. You may be able to get it working again by having a technician replenish its supply of refrigerant. But that is only a temporary—and costly—solution, since refrigerants can cost $100 per pound or more.
Once refrigerant starts to leak compressor failure may not be far behind, which is why many HVAC contractors believe air conditioners that spring refrigerant leaks are just about ready for the scrap heap.
#4 Gradual but steady decline in performance has been observed
Have you noticed your summertime energy costs rising over the past couple of years? Does your house feel warmer in July and August than it used to, even when you run your AC all the time?
If you answer either of these questions in the affirmative there is a good chance your air conditioner is wearing out and will not be long for this world. To make sure this diagnosis is correct, you should hire a skilled technician to check your cooling unit first just to be sure signs of systemic failure are imminent.
Alison Air Conditioning Will Keep You Cool
If you live in Corona or the surrounding region and have any questions about your air conditioner’s performance, contact Alison Air Conditioning immediately and we will send a technician to your home to assess your HVAC equipment and make a recommendation. Should you decide to purchase a new unit, we can set you up with a state-of-the-art, energy-saving unit from the fine folks at Carrier, the most respected name in the HVAC industry.
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