How Often Should You Replace Your Air Conditioning Unit?

Table of Contents

Replace AC Units About Every 10 Years 

Signs that your AC Unit Needs to be Replaced

Consider Unit Size and Frequency of Use 

Call a Professional for an Assessment.

Contact Torch Services for Air Conditioner Replacement

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give your air conditioning unit much thought until it stops working. Then, as things heat up, it’s suddenly the only thing on your mind! But how often should you really be budgeting and planning for replacing your AC unit?

The short answer is every 10-15 years. However, that answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. There are a lot of factors that go into how often an air conditioning unit needs to be replaced including the type of unit, the climate you live in and how well you’ve maintained your air conditioning system.

Air conditioning units should be replaced about every 10 years for optimal performance.

As a general rule of thumb, you should be prepared to replace your central air unit every 10 – 15 years. However, unlike furnaces, air conditioning units are often exposed to a host of weather extremes that cause additional wear and tear throughout the life of your AC unit. If you live in an area with an extremely hot and humid climate,  your outdoor unit may have to work much harder for longer amounts of time in these conditions. This hard work can shorten their lifespan.

If you live in a milder climate or don’t use it often, you may be able to get away with stretching your air conditioning replacement out a few more years. 

No matter where you live it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance for your air conditioning system. This means regularly replacing the filters and coils as well as having a professional inspect and perform routine maintenance on the unit annually. 

An annual home maintenance membership can be useful in saving you money with routine maintenance and taking care of potential problems with your homes HVAC maintenance before they happen. 

Keeping up with maintenance is the number one choice you can make to help extend the life of your AC unit and prevent issues that would require a replacement sooner.

Air conditioners are more efficient than 10 years ago.

If you’ve been hanging on to an air conditioning unit for 15 years or more, even if you can continue to keep it running – it may not be worth it. Air conditioning units made after 2010 are not only much more efficient than those from the past, they also no longer require Freon 22 which is not manufactured in the United States as of 2020. 

Freon has been deemed by the EPA to be hazardous to the environment and all newer AC models use the safer choice of Puron refrigerant. If your central air conditioner still requires Freon 22, you may be able to find recycled Freon. If you’re continually needing more Freon a refrigerant leak may be the culprit and mean it’s time for a new air conditioning unit. 

Newer models are also built to last longer than models of the past and are proven to be more energy efficient – which can save you on energy costs in the long run. 

Replacing an older unit that may be inefficient with a new air conditioner will not only save you money on your energy bills- you’ll also be helping the environment.

Signs that your AC unit needs to be replaced

High Energy Bills

Of course, using your air conditioner may add some energy costs compared to no heating or cooling necessary in the most pleasant times of year. However, If you notice the energy bill skyrocketing during the summer months – there’s a good chance it’s time to replace your air conditioner. 

Frequent Repairs

If you’ve been getting regular maintenance on your HVAC unit, you shouldn’t need additional service or repairs during the summer. However, if you haven’t been the best at keeping up with HVAC maintenance and are having to call for air conditioning repair services multiple times in a season, it may be time to consider replacing your unit. Plus, the cost of air conditioner repairs can add up – which may end up costing you more than just purchasing a new unit. 

Uneven or Inadequate Cooling

If your home is experiencing hot spots or is never quite cool enough, it may just need repairs but you should also be prepared to consider purchasing a new central air conditioner. Contact your local HVAC service professionals for a review of your system and their recommendations. 

Excessive Noise

If your air conditioner is making a loud, uneven, or high-pitched sound – it might be time to replace the unit. These sounds can be happening for a number of reasons, but all of them require professional attention as soon as possible. 

Unit size and frequency of use are factors in deciding when to replace.

Other factors to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to replace your AC system include the size of the unit and how often it’s used. If you have a large home or one that gets extremely hot during the summer, you may need to replace your unit more frequently. 

Conversely, if you live in a smaller home, one that doesn’t get too warm or if you have a vacation home that isn’t used often – you may be able to wait longer between replacements.

Unsure if you need a new Air Conditioning Unit? Call a professional for an assessment.

The bottom line is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how often you should replace your AC unit. The best way to figure out what’s right for you is to consult with a professional HVAC contractor. They can help you assess your needs and make a recommendation based on your specific circumstances.

Contact Torch Services for Air Conditioner Replacement in the Tulsa Metropolitan Area.

The licensed and insured HVAC technicians at Torch Services offer knowledgable air conditioning replacement service and installation. Torch has been serving the Tulsa Metro area including Owasso, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Claremore, Collinsville, Coweta, Jenks, Sand Springs and Sapulpa since 2009. 

We offer a wide range of services, including air conditioner replacement, installation, repair and maintenance. Our HVAC technicians are all trained and certified to offer the best in air conditioning replacement services with flat-rate pricing. 

If you’re in need of an air conditioner replacement or want to learn more about whether a new air conditioning unit is right for you, contact the HVAC professionals at Torch Services today!