Today’s better-made, well-maintained AC systems have an estimated shelf life of 15-20 years. Can yours last longer than that? Absolutely. But, sooner or later, it will need to be replaced, even with the best of care.

If that time were now, how would you know? Well, even if it were to shut down, that still doesn’t mean it needs to be replaced. That can only be determined following a careful system inspection and evaluation.

On the other hand, air conditioners don’t need to fail to send a signal that maintenance work is required. Here’s what to watch and listen for.

• Age of system. If your AC system is 12+ years old, it’s already on the way out, at least statistically. Is it worth hanging onto indefinitely or does it make more sense to replace it now and start saving big-time on your electricity bill? Not an easy decision.

• Costly repairs. Would you pay $200 to have your system repaired if you had reason to believe it would run just fine after that? Sure you would. But how about $500, $1,000, or even $1,500? In other words, what’s the point when you say: “Enough is enough,” and finally decide your money is better spent on a replacement system?
• Noisy operation. AC systems were not designed to clank, ping, or bang loudly enough to keep you up at night. There are numerous causes for AC noises, including general wear and tear. All such noises should be properly investigated.
• Hot and cold spots throughout your home. A well-designed AC system should provide consistent room-to-room temperatures. When it doesn’t, the cause could be poor air distribution, a thermostat problem or failure, a leaking air duct, among others.
• Your system uses R-22 refrigerant. R-22 refrigerant, popularly known as Freon, is being phased out by the federal government as part of a broader initiative to conserve energy nationwide. As a result, the cost of Freon is rising exponentially. If you need a refill, you can expect to pay an exorbitant price as supplies continue to dwindle. Or, you can switch to a system built with R-410A, an eco-friendlier alternative, and accomplish some good for yourself and the environment.

If the time to replace your AC system is now, contact C&D Cooling & Heating for a free AC proposal. Or, at your request, we’ll be happy to diagnose the existing problem and give you our best advice on whether it makes more sense to repair or replace.