If you're the owner of a 30 year old air conditioning unit, you may be wondering if it's time to replace it. On moderately hot days, your system may take longer to cool the house effectively, and you may struggle to keep your house cool during the intense summer heat. EnergyStar recommends replacing the air conditioner every 10 to 15 years, and if your current unit has expired under warranty, you should consider replacing it. The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 to 20 years, but as these systems age, they tend to become less efficient.
If your HVAC is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a more energy efficient unit, such as one that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. These high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs. Repairing an older system is also more expensive and does not guarantee an extension of the system's lifespan. Before investing in a new HVAC unit, you may want to check your home and HVAC unit for costly air leaks. An air leak could be the cause of the problem in your HVAC system and is probably less expensive than replacing it.
A cost-benefit analysis can help you decide if repairing your old unit is as economical as simply replacing the entire unit. Just because your air conditioning system is 10 years old doesn't mean you have to exhaust and replace it right away, but it's a good time to start thinking about a new system. It's inevitable that all homeowners will have to choose between repairing or replacing their air conditioning system. Since sealing leaks and insulating your home properly will help your HVAC system work more efficiently, you may not need a replacement yet. When it comes time to make the decision to repair or replace your air conditioning unit, age is an important factor. I wish it could last forever, but unfortunately the time will come when old HVAC systems need to be replaced.
However, no matter how much preventive maintenance you put into your air conditioning system, there comes a time when repairs are no longer enough and it's time to replace them.
