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Old Bridge, New Jersey is a charming township that sees hot summers like the rest of Middlesex County. The importance of a reliable air conditioner in Old Bridge can’t be understated, and every local knows that. That’s why nothing is more disappointing than when your AC goes out on a hot day.

Air conditioners last 15-20 years in some cases, but they sadly fail sooner. This is avoidable with responsible use and regular maintenance. Even still, accidents happen and components fail that warrant a new installation.

The Queen B Plumbing team is always here to repair or replace your air existing conditioner in Old Bridge, NJ. To schedule an inspection or AC installation, call us at (908) 633- 1333 and we are happy to help.

When is AC Installation Necessary?

At Queen B Plumbing, we thoroughly inspect each air conditioner before we assume it should be replaced. Luckily, several signs make it clear that it’s time to install a new air conditioner.

Your AC is Inefficient

Does your AC run a lot but it doesn’t work well? Inefficiency is a key sign that it’s time to upgrade to a new air conditioner. Eventually, air conditioners become less efficient after natural wear and tear.

Your AC may also become less efficient if you fail to take care of it. For example, you must replace your air filter at least twice per year to avoid straining the system. Some people even change their filters once every 3 months.

Weak and failing components are unavoidable after you’ve had an AC unit long enough. You will notice weak airflow, high bills, and even strange noises when your AC runs. This is often a sign that a new installation is necessary.

Repairs Cost Half of Your AC’s Value

It’s no secret that some AC repairs can be quite expensive. That’s especially true when our team must replace multiple parts in one service visit. Granted, we only typically see this with old AC units that are at least 10-15 years old.

It’s hard to justify repairing an AC if the repairs cost half of the value of the unit itself. That’s not something you can expect with relatively minor repairs, such as blower motor problems. However, replacing evaporator coils, compressors, and refrigerant leaks can get pricey.

It’s up to our customers to decide if the repairs are worth it. We can only recommend this in good conscious if you can use your AC for at least another 10 years.

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.