Oh no, your air conditioner is making that weird noise again. Is this a sign that you need to replace your air conditioner? Probably not. It’s not abnormal for your HVAC system to make strange noises every now and then. More often than not, a simple repair or maintenance is all you need to make the noises stop. However, there are many other scenarios that may make you wonder how long air conditioners last and when should you start thinking about replacing your cooling system.
Chesterfield Service has the answers to all your air conditioning replacement questions and can help you find a new system for your home when the time comes.
What is the Average Lifespan of an Air Conditioner?
The average central air conditioner lifespan is 15-20 years. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that your air conditioner will last that long. It’s important to make sure that you invest in regular maintenance, or at the very least, call for repairs when something goes wrong.
What might start as a strange noise or an odd smell can quickly balloon into larger problems. A small repair will be relatively affordable, but if you wait until your air conditioner stops working to call for help, you may be faced with unexpectedly high repair costs. Air conditioner issues don’t go away on their own, so it’s important to have them addressed as soon as you notice a problem. Some common signs that you need air conditioner repairs include:
- Odd noises or smells when the air conditioner is running
- Higher energy bills with no change in usage or utility rates
- Short cycling
- Not being able to reach the set temperature
- The air conditioner doesn’t stop running
My Air Conditioner is Over 20 Years Old, Should I Replace It?
With proper maintenance and care for your air conditioner, it is possible that your system will last longer than 20 years. If it still effectively cools your home and you haven’t had any major issues with it, then you don’t need to replace it just because it’s old. However, a new air conditioning unit will be much more efficient than your older unit, so replacing it could help lower your energy bills. Many older air conditioners still use freon, and a new air conditioning unit will be much more environmentally friendly.
If your AC system is over 15 years old and you’ve noticed any of the following issues, then it’s time to start considering replacement:
- High energy bills persist despite repairs
- Frequent repairs are needed to keep your AC unit running
- The outdoor unit is leaking
- The cost of repairing your AC unit is more expensive than having a new unit installed
How Will I Be Able to Afford a New Air Conditioner?
Installing a new air conditioner in your home can be an expensive investment. You don’t want to go without an HVAC system, but you might not be prepared financially to purchase a new system. Chesterfield Service understands that air conditioners can die unexpectedly and needing to replace them quickly can sometimes be a huge financial burden. That’s why we can help with rebates and financing to help make a new HVAC system more affordable. For 2023, the US Government is offering substantial tax credits for upgrading your home’s heating and cooling systems. You can recieve tax credits up to $11k! For more information, visit the Bryant website.
We connect our customers with rebate programs that can help make new heating or cooling systems more affordable. The equipment purchased must meet certain criteria to qualify. We also offer financing through GreenSky and Wells Fargo. If you qualify, the purchase of a new air conditioning unit can be broken down into much more affordable monthly chunks. Talk to Chesterfield Service to see if you qualify for financing.