Over the years you’ve bid a fond farewell to certain items – many, no doubt, with a tinge of regret. We’re talking about your last pair of bell bottoms, rookie cards that never accrued any value, kids’ clothing you thought you’d never part with – even that old roasting pan that Aunt Beatrice gave you as a wedding gift.

Saying good-bye to an air conditioning system, on the other hand, doesn’t fit into that same niche. It’s not something you handle, wear, or work with. Instead, it works for you – out of sight, maybe, but always in mind as you bask in the cool temperatures it faithfully delivers – until it no longer does.  That’s when it’s time to consider saying goodbye.

How do you know when that time has arrived? Here are several signs indicating either the need for repair or replacement.

  1. It’s More than 10 Years Old

The Department of Energy advises you to replace your system every 10 to 15 years. Not only do wear and tear begin to take effect, but AC systems built before 2010 were made with R-22 refrigerant, more commonly known as Freon. Freon, which is harmful to the environment, has been replaced by R-410a, an eco-friendly alternative. There’s a limited supply of Freon left for recharges. As such, the cost for a recharge has skyrocketed – trust us, you won’t be a happy camper if you need a recharge any time soon.

  1. More Frequent Repairs & Higher Repair Bills

The longer your keep your system, the more likely serious repairs are to occur. Is it worth it, for example, to spend $2500 on a 10-year old system when a high-efficiency replacement can be purchased for around $7,000?

  1. Your Energy Bills Keep Rising

The older your system, the less energy efficient it becomes. If you have an older system, no doubt you’re noticing the upward trend. Replace it now and enjoy hundreds of dollars in savings every year.

  1. You Can’t Keep Your Home at a Comfortable Temperature

Temperature inconsistencies typically mean that your air conditioning system is not powerful enough to supply air throughout your home, or that the ductwork is not properly installed. In either case, opting to hang on to your system will result in discomfort and higher costs – yet again.

  1. Excess Humidity

Here’s something else that happens as AC system age – they steadily lose their ability to remove excess humidity from your home.  That leaves you with 3 choices: live with the excess humidity, purchase a whole-house dehumidifier, or replace your AC system – something you‘ll eventually need to anyway.

Just because your AC isn’t working up to par doesn’t mean it needs to be replaced. But we won’t know until we examine it. So, contact PC Plumbing, Heating, Air & Remodeling so we can diagnose the problem and make the proper recommendation for your continued or improved indoor comfort.