When Should I Replace My Home AC Unit?

Making the decision to replace an air conditioner unit is a big one considering the cost. In 2020 the average cost to install a new AC unit is between $3,350 and $5,912, give or take. It’s not a decision a homeowner should take lightly or make on impulse.

Homeowners choose to make an HVAC change for a variety of reasons. Are you moving into a new residence with inadequate cooling or heating? Are you tired of having your current system run non-stop? Whatever your reason, it’s a significant investment and your choice can have a noticeable impact on the comfort, quality of life and health of your family.

The following are answers to some commonly asked questions regarding home AC units and air filtration systems to help you determine the best course of action for you, your family and the indoor air quality of your home.

How Long Do Air Conditioner Units Last or How Often Should They Be Replaced?

First things first, the average life span of an AC unit is 10 to 15 years. The exact number of years depends on model, installation methods, frequency of use and whether or not you (or the previous homeowner) kept up with routine maintenance. 

Oftentimes, you get what you pay for, so investing in higher quality units versus the cheapest model can enable you to go longer without having to replace parts, portions of the unit or the entire unit.

How Do I Know It’s Time to Replace My Unit?

The answer to this question varies depending on everyone’s unique situation. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine if a new unit is necessary.

• How far into your unit’s life span are you? Are you in the tail-end of the 10- to 15-year range?
• Did the previous owners replace your AC unit prior to the purchase of your home?
• Has your unit broken down or faltered multiple times in the past year or so?
• Have you noticed an increase or spike on your monthly utility bill?

If your AC unit is an older model, or is requiring frequent repairs, and it’s very possible that it could go out for good any day now, it might be the right time to start researching new units. It’s best to have some time to research the right model for your home based on the square footage and the duct work already present in your home.

Educating yourself ahead of time also gives you the opportunity to save up rather than make a hasty purchase during an emergency.

If you are constantly paying money for smaller repairs on your unit, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to simply upgrade to a newer, reliable model, especially if you plan on staying at your residence for a decent amount of time. Newer technology is more efficient, and you could save between 20 and 40 percent on your monthly utility bills. Modern HVAC systems use between 20 and 50 percent less energy than models made in the 1970s. 

When Should I Make the Call to Replace My Unit?

The sooner you begin the process the better. Don’t wait until it’s the middle of summer and your air conditioner breaks to take care of any HVAC issues or the air quality of your home. In addition to leaving your family uncomfortable, good HVAC installation professionals may be busy, which may make scheduling installation a bit more difficult.

Be proactive when it comes to replacement and maintenance of your AC unit. Make sure you are able to research and budget before purchasing anything. Your bank account will thank you, and you will breathe easier in the long run.

We Are Here and Ready to Help With any AC or Heating Installation and Repair Needs in the Metro Washington D.C. Area

In addition to AC repair services, installation and maintenance, we also offer whole-home air filtration systems.

These air filtration systems can improve system longevity and efficiency while keeping your family’s air safe and free of indoor air pollution, which is particularly important if anyone in your home suffers from respiratory problems or allergies.

If you’d like to speak with a representative regarding any of your HVAC, AC or air filtration needs, schedule an appointment online, email us ([email protected]) or call us at 866-792-7154.