July of 2024 was ranked as the 7th hottest summer on record for New Jersey. Thanks to the hot summer temperatures in the region, you need an air conditioning system you can rely on to keep you comfortable and cool. Sometimes, your AC may just need a simple repair, but you might also require a full air conditioning unit replacement.
The team at Sam’s Air Control Heating and Cooling offers comprehensive AC maintenance, repairs, and installations to help you get the most out of your home comfort system. We’ve also compiled a list of the top five signs to look for that indicate your air conditioner is beyond repair.
1. Your AC Is More Than 10–15 Years Old
The average lifespan of an air conditioner is 10 to 15 years. However, if your current system is 10 years old or older, then it’s probably time to replace your air conditioner.
With proper upkeep, a well-maintained AC might last longer than 15 years. But even then, most air conditioning systems undergo excessive wear and tear, which eventually causes components to erode and break down.
Not only is a new, upgraded air conditioner great for improved energy efficiency and reliability, but it’s also great for peace of mind. Installing a new AC will give you constant cooling and comfort you can count on all summer in the Edison, NJ, area heat.
2. You’re Paying for Frequent Repairs
Air conditioners require routine maintenance and prompt repairs when problems occur. While certain repairs are occasional, others may be more frequent, which means your AC is costing you money.
If you’re paying for frequent repairs, it’s one of the biggest and most urgent signs you need a new AC unit. Paying for repairs over and over again will eventually cost you more money than simply upgrading to a new unit.
Weigh the costs of frequent repairs against the cost of buying a new air conditioner to see which one makes more sense to you. Sam’s Air Control has flexible financing options available to make paying for a new system easy, affordable, and convenient.
3. Your Energy Bills Keep Climbing
Not only do rising energy bills cost you more money each month, but they also often translate into reduced AC efficiency. If your monthly energy bills keep increasing without a change in usage, it could be time to upgrade your AC unit.
A reduction in energy efficiency affects more than just your wallet — it also affects the planet. Updating your system to something more efficient with a higher SEER rating is also better for the environment.
Contact Sam’s for a professional AC inspection and diagnosis to determine the cause behind your climbing energy bills. If the result is a serious air conditioner issue that will cost you a lot of money, a new AC unit might be the best option.
4. Your AC No Longer Cools Your Home Effectively
If your AC system is not cooling your home anymore, it could be due to something as simple as a dirty air filter. However, air conditioners that no longer cool effectively could also have a variety of other, more serious problems.
This often occurs due to a refrigerant leak or low refrigerant levels, a malfunctioning compressor, or a problem with the outdoor unit. Once you diagnose the issue, consider whether it’s best to install a new AC rather than pay for repairs.
A lot of old air conditioner problems include the AC producing warm air or failing to cool every room of the home effectively. Sometimes, an upgrade is the best way to solve this problem.
5. Your AC Uses R-22 Refrigerant (Now Phased Out)
Many older air conditioners use R-22 refrigerant. In 2020, the United States Environmental Protection Agency officially banned the production and import of this specific type of refrigerant because of its negative environmental impact.
If your current AC uses R-22, consider getting a new system. If you don’t, it will become more difficult to find and refill this older refrigerant.
To determine whether your air conditioner uses R-22, check the user manual, inspect the nameplate on the outdoor unit, or call us for help. We highly recommend upgrading your system if your current one uses this phased-out refrigerant.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay AC Replacement
While these five signs are the most common reasons why your air conditioner may be beyond repair and need replacement, it’s essential to understand why you shouldn’t delay getting an upgrade. Here are some important reasons why installing a new air conditioner should be done as soon as possible.
You’ll save on repair costs
The longer you wait to get an AC replacement, the more likely your current system will break down. Constant malfunctions result in frequent repairs that add up over time. Getting a new air conditioner as soon as possible may cost you more money upfront, but you’ll also save a lot over the long term.
Peace of mind
As the summer temperatures climb, you rely on your air conditioner more to keep you comfortable and cool. When you get an air conditioner upgrade, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you can rely on it to provide your home with constant, effective cooling. Upgrading your system early, before the summer season begins, is the best way to make sure your home is cool when temperatures start to rise.
Warranty coverage
Manufacturer warranty periods vary, but all of them eventually expire. With a brand-new air conditioner, you’ll also have brand-new warranty coverage that typically covers things like malfunctioning components. A new system not only gives you reliable cooling but also gives you the confidence that things are taken care of if something goes wrong.
You’ll avoid issues with parts
The home comfort industry constantly changes products and updates key features and components. If you have an older system, it might become more difficult for your HVAC company to obtain the parts required to make important repairs. However, a new air conditioner is much easier to repair since those parts are more likely to be available when you need them.
Less impact on the environment
Air conditioners require a lot of energy to operate, which has a significant impact on the environment. Fortunately, newer systems are designed to be much more energy efficient, reducing their environmental impact. The sooner you replace your air conditioner with something more energy efficient, the sooner you’ll reduce your carbon footprint.
Contact Sam’s Air Control Today
Whether you have an older unit, your energy bills are higher than usual, or you’re paying for more frequent repairs, look for these signs that may indicate your air conditioner is beyond repair. If you’re considering an AC upgrade, Sam’s Air Control Heating and Cooling experts are happy to help you choose the best option for your Edison, NJ area home. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate for a new air conditioner!
