Air conditioning systems are an almost ubiquitous feature of modern American homes, with over 90% of new houses constructed today including an AC system. Central air conditioning has become a standard expectation across most of the United States as generations have become accustomed to achieving reliable summertime comfort indoors amid hot and humid climates.

Minor Repairs

AC systems require regular maintenance to ensure they are running smoothly. Repairs may be needed periodically.

For minor AC repairs like refrigerant top-offs, filter changes, coil cleanings, fan motor replacements, and drain line cleanouts, a reputable HVAC company can perform focused tune-ups to restore cooling performance. Quick fixes for minor wear and tear parts going bad can extend an AC unit's lifespan significantly before major compressor or condenser replacements become necessary.

If your AC system needs attention, search for AC Repair in Charleston, SC.

Is It Time to Replace Your AC?

If your current air conditioner is over 10 years old or is showing obvious signs of wear, it may be time to consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model. An old, inefficient AC unit can end up costing you more in energy bills over time, while also failing to keep your home as comfortable.

Here are some signs that indicate it's time to replace your air conditioner.

Frequent Repairs and Breakdowns

If your AC is requiring frequent repairs and breaking down repeatedly, this likely signals that it's reached the end of its usable lifespan. Once an AC unit hits the 10-15 year mark, issues tend to compound and repairs become more complicated and expensive. If you're calling the HVAC technician out every cooling season to fix your aging AC, it's a sign that a new unit would be a smarter long-term investment. Newer ACs are built to last 15-20 years with proper maintenance.

Higher Energy Bills

Has your summer electricity bill been steadily rising over the past few years even when you're not using your AC more? Old AC units can lose efficiency over time, requiring more energy to produce the same amount of cooling. Upgrading from an old unit rated at SEER 8-10 to a new Energy Star certified AC rated at SEER 14 or higher can translate to energy savings of up to 30 percent. This savings adds up each cooling season.

Not Keeping Up During Peak Heat

An AC that worked fine at maintaining comfortable temperatures a few years ago may simply not have the capacity to keep up with peak temperatures anymore once it reaches advanced age. Upgraded insulation, renovations, and even getting new appliances can also impact your AC's cooling capacity compared to when it was first installed. If your AC can no longer keep your home under 80 degrees on the hottest days, it may be undersized for your needs. A properly sized new unit will keep temperatures steady.

Visible Damage or Wear

Take a good look at the overall exterior condition of your AC condenser unit outside as well as the evaporator coil inside. Rust spots, dents, or cracks are red flags the unit is failing. Severe corrosion, frayed wiring, or leaks mean the system may be unsafe to continue using. A new AC will maximize efficiency as well as safety. An HVAC technician can assess visible damage or wear and tear that signals replacement.  

Odd Noises or Smells

Any strange new sounds like screeching, grinding, or loud banging coming from your AC are causes for concern. Burning or metallic smells are also indicators something is wrong internally. If opening up your registers releases a musty odor, mold may be accumulating due to condensation or a crack in the evaporator coil. Don't ignore puzzling smells or noises coming from your aging AC system. Replacing a failing part may temporarily fix the issue, but systemic problems likely mean the whole unit needs upgrading.

Comfort Takes Too Long

An AC unit at the end of its service lifespan may gradually lose its ability to quickly and evenly cool your home. If you find your system runs constantly without ever shutting off but struggles to get temperatures below 80 degrees, the compressor may be wearing out. Or if some rooms are comfortable while others remain hot and stuffy, airflow issues could be developing. A properly sized new unit will keep every room at the temperature you set quickly and uniformly.

Moisture & Humidity Issues

If your AC runs all day but the house still feels damp and humid, your old system may not be effectively removing moisture from the air. Newer ACs are significantly better at controlling indoor humidity levels through improved dehumidification technology. Keeping moisture and humidity in check is key for indoor air quality as well as comfort. If your system doesn't have a whole home dehumidifier, upgrading can help regulate humidity.

Higher Temperature Setting Needed

Have you noticed you need to set your thermostat progressively lower each year to maintain the same comfort level in your home? An old AC gradually loses its ability to keep a set temperature, especially during the hottest weather. If your system can no longer steadily hold 75 degrees and you need to lower the setting to 72 or 68 to compensate, the unit likely needs replacing soon. A new ENERGY STAR certified AC will use less power while delivering consistent comfort.

Ready for an Upgrade?

If you checked more than one of the signs above indicating your AC unit is due for retirement, investing in a replacement system is likely overdue.

Call in an HVAC professional to assess your current system and provide quotes on upgrading to a model that meets your home's square footage and cooling requirements. New AC technology is vastly more advanced, efficient, durable, and reliable than even a decade ago.

Once you upgrade, you'll likely wonder why you waited so long to take advantage of major improvements in energy savings and temperature control. With a new air conditioner keeping your home cool during sweltering weather, you'll stay comfortable for over a decade while also saving substantially on bills.