Your AC is 15 Years Old
After 10 years, air conditioners typically become less efficient. This is when we typically see customers who need to replace key parts of their ACs, such as the compressor. However, AC units often go downhill much faster after 15 years.
At Queen B Plumbing, we have seen AC units last up to 20 years, but that is somewhat rare. That is only possible with consistent filter changes, ductwork cleaning, and maintenance. Even still, it’s not worth making major repairs to air conditioners that will last another 5 years at most.
We typically see customers decide to cut their losses and invest in a new AC installation in Old Bridge, NJ. This gives you the chance to enjoy clean, cold air for at least 15 years to come. Our team is happy to answer your questions if you don’t know whether you should repair or replace your AC.
It Requires Service More Than Twice Per Year
At Queen B Plumbing, we happily service most of our customers’ HVAC systems in Old Bridge once per year. Even twice-yearly maintenance visits are normal for the most part. However, there’s no reason that our team should have to repair a healthy air conditioner more often than that.
Not only is that expensive, but it’s also postponing the inevitable. Frequent repairs are only necessary for old, inefficient AC units with multiple failing components. This is a clear sign to us that your air conditioner doesn’t have much longer.
It could be a matter of poor installation, or that the air conditioner simply isn’t compatible with your home. In that case, we recommend you replace your AC, especially if it’s 10-15 years old. Otherwise, it may unexpectedly fail on a hot summer day in Old Bridge, New Jersey.
Electric Bills Keep Increasing
Have you seen a huge spike in your electric bills this summer? Sure, electric bills slightly increase when you must run your air conditioner more often. However, your bills shouldn’t be drastically higher than what you pay most summers in Old Bridge.
Unexpectedly high energy bills are often a sign that your AC is working too hard. Despite the high bills, your AC likely isn’t performing as well. As previously mentioned, AC units become inefficient over time, and your bills will reflect that.
Luckily, your bills should decrease once we replace your air conditioner. The upfront cost of a new AC unit is well worth it for the monthly savings alone.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner?
Repairing and replacing an air conditioner can both be expensive, and they’re necessary at different times. For example, repairs are almost always worth the cost if your AC is under 10 years old. We never encourage our customers to invest in a new AC in Old Bridge, NJ unless we know their unit won’t last much longer.