HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR AC?  

May 5, 2023

At Grove City Heating & Air, our clients’ contentment and comfort come first. With the arrival of springtime’s warm weather, you want to avoid being left in the heat. So, if your AC unit is an older one, it may be time to start considering your options for the future. Despite this, it is paramount to recognize that purchasing a new AC involves more than just having an “old unit.” We highly suggest examining all aspects before determining if replacing your air conditioning system would be best for your home. Worry not; we have everything you need here so that you can make the most informed decision possible! 

HOW LONG DOES AN AC LAST ON AVERAGE? 

An AC’s lifespan may range from 12-17 years, and this is contingent on the particular AC model as well as how diligently it has been maintained. With that in mind, you can better assess whether or not your cooling system needs replacing soon. 

WHAT OTHER ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS SHOULD BE EVALUATED WHEN DETERMINING IF AN AC UPGRADE IS NECESSARY?  

1. Energy Costs 

Are you fed up with paying an abnormally large energy bill each month despite your efforts to reduce consumption? The culprit might be the cooling unit. When air conditioners grow old and start losing their efficiency, they need more power in order to keep temperatures regulated. Your AC’s energy usage should make up around 46% of your total bill; if it exceeds this amount significantly, replacements may be necessary soon! 

2. Irregular Temperatures  

An air conditioning unit is a vital tool used to not only keep your home cool and comfortable but also maintain an even temperature. If the temperatures in your house are continually fluctuating, that implies that it can no longer work as intended, so you must consider having it repaired or replaced. 

3. Loud Noises, Odors, & Dust 

If your air conditioner is overworked, it will start to show signs of distress. Pay attention to loud noises, strange odors, and an excessive amount of dust – these are all warning signals that something is wrong with your AC unit. 

  • Noises – If you notice that your air conditioning unit is no longer humming contentedly but has begun to make loud noises, it may be time for a replacement. The issue could possibly be due to the size of the AC not suiting the square footage of your home. When this happens, it will cause an overworked system. As such, some assessment and research might need to take place before deciding whether or not purchasing new equipment is necessary. 
  • Odors – If you smell an unpleasant odor from your AC system, it is a clear indication that something isn’t right. These smells could be caused by mold or mildew in the ductwork or even a refrigerant leakage.  
  • Dust – Does it feel like no matter how many times you clean, that dust continues to pile up in your home? If so, the ducts could be the culprit. As they age and deteriorate, gaps or holes can form that let airborne particles spread, making cleaning a never-ending chore! Let us take care of this problem for you. Our NATE-certified technicians are ready to assess the situation swiftly and provide an effective solution. 

4. Frequent Repairs    

Maintaining and caring for your AC is critical to ensure its longevity. Regular inspections are essential in avoiding breakdowns during peak times; however, if you have an aged unit that needs constant repairs, it may be time to admit the fact that your system has reached the end of its life cycle. Repairing a unit may seem like the cheaper option in the short term, but factoring in increased energy bills and long-term expenses will make it more expensive than investing in an upgrade. Don’t wait! Research what kind of system would best suit your home’s needs now before you get stuck with higher costs on repairs later down the line. 

5. R22 Refrigerant    

Thanks to the progress of technology, modern air conditioners are now shifting away from outdated and unregulated refrigerants like R22. As a result, refilling your system with compatible yet compliant-friendly refrigerant can be quite pricey; however, due to recent technological advancements, we have access to more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient cooling systems! By utilizing new efficient innovations, not only will you save a great deal on utilities each month, but it also decreases carbon emissions drastically, which leads to an improved indoor environment while still being beneficial for the planet. 

If you’re seeking a dependable HVAC company, your search can stop here with Grove City Heating & Air! Our knowledgeable team is ready to provide helpful answers and a free estimate. Plus, our financing options make it easier to enjoy the advantages of quality equipment and services without having to worry about budget constraints. Let us show you why five-star service can achieve amazing results. Give us a call today to get started on optimizing your home’s comfort levels. You can reach us at (614) 490-7540 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!