In the middle of summer, you’re not going to want to deal with a breakdown of your air conditioning. If you think your air conditioning needs service or repairs, you shouldn’t delay in getting service or repairs from Tragar Home Services. But sometimes it may not be clear whether your air conditioning is working the way it should or needs to be replaced. At Tragar, we’re air conditioning and cooling experts and we want to help you understand what the signs are that may indicate you may need to replace your air conditioner or air conditioning system.
How Old Is Too Old for Your Air Conditioner?
According to Consumer Reports, most window air conditioners last from 8 to 10 years. If you have a window unit that’s in or near that age range, it’s a good idea to troubleshoot issues that could be related to any problems you might have with the unit:
- Inspect the seal around the air conditioner to see if warm air is leaking inside.
- Replace the weather stripping if it’s loosened over time.
- Check and clean the filter.
- Inspect and clean the evaporator coils.
If you own a central air conditioning system, the age of the system should factor in as well, along with the cost of repairs. Angie’s List suggests a rule of thumb that they call “The 5,000 Rule.” Under this rule, you take the age of your system and multiply it by the repair cost. If the number you come up with exceeds $5,000, you should consider replacing your air conditioning system. So if you have a 10-year-old system with a $550 repair bill, multiplying the two numbers comes to $5,500, which would suggest it’s time to replace your system under the rule.
Another factor to look at when considering whether or not to replace your air conditioner is your system’s energy efficiency. While Angie’s list says many HVAC technicians recommend replacing central air systems that are 15 years or older, they also point out that Energy Star suggests upgrading your system if it’s 10 or more years old to a more efficient unit. If you have a coolant leak, that may also be a sign that your air conditioning system needs to be replaced. Repairing the leak can be costly and it might be more cost efficient to buy a new unit.
Central Air or Ductless System Installation on Long Island
If you’ve made the decision to replace a wall unit, you should consider putting in a central air conditioning system or a ductless air conditioning system from Tragar Home Services. We’ve been installing central air systems and we will work to place your ducts in the areas of your home where they will be most effective. We’ll also be there for you when you need maintenance, your annual startup, or repairs.
Ductless systems are smaller and easier to install. They give homeowners the option of cooling individual rooms or zones so you don’t have to worry about energy being used in rooms you’re not in.
Tragar Home Services has been in business for more than 60 years and we pride ourselves on our customer service. If you have questions about whether or not you should be replacing your air-conditioning system, or if you need service or repairs to your current system, we’re here for you. Contact us today.
