{"id":1081,"date":"2024-07-15T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-15T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jmsacandheating.com\/blog\/?p=1081"},"modified":"2026-03-23T06:20:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T10:20:23","slug":"is-it-time-for-a-new-air-conditioner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jmsacandheating.com\/blog\/air-conditioning-service\/is-it-time-for-a-new-air-conditioner\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it Time for a New Air Conditioner?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Technician<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If your air conditioner is already older or you\u2019re having a lot of problems with it, now may be the time to upgrade to a new AC. We know that it can be difficult to make this decision, especially if you are trying to get just a little more life out of your existing unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But we encourage you to consider an upgrade before your air conditioner breaks down for good. You can keep reading to learn more about signs that can indicate it\u2019s time to replace your older air conditioner. You can also learn about the times when AC repairs make sense. When you\u2019re ready, you can give our team a call for your AC replacement in Pasadena<\/a> and we will help you every step of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should You Consider Air Conditioner Installation Instead of Repair?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You should consider new AC installation if your air conditioner is 10 to 15 years old, needs frequent repairs, struggles to cool your home evenly, or causes rising energy bills. Replacing an aging system improves efficiency, lowers long term costs, and provides more reliable comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Signs You Need a New Air Conditioner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can usually expect an air conditioner to last for between 10 and 15 years. Once your air conditioner is within that range \u2013 or even past the age of 15 \u2013 it\u2019s more likely that an upgrade is needed. The manufacturer\u2019s warranty usually only lasts through the first 10 years. Past that, any repairs are completely your responsibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If something major goes wrong with your air conditioner and it is expensive to fix, you\u2019ll be left paying out of pocket. If that happens and you\u2019re facing a repair bill that is several thousand dollars, you should probably put that money toward a brand-new unit instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from system age, it\u2019s also a red flag if your air conditioner needs frequent repairs. Even inexpensive repairs can add up over time and point to a larger problem within the system. It may even be that your air conditioner is simply older and parts are beginning to wear out as your unit reaches the end of its lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Air Conditioner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Air conditioning repairs<\/a> make sense when they are inexpensive. The only qualifier to this is if you have to make particularly expensive repairs, which we already talked about above. AC repairs are actually completely normal over the life of your unit as long as they are relatively minor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may have to replace various components here and there to prevent unnecessary wear and tear and help your air conditioner to keep operating at its best. Air conditioning repairs are especially important if you are still within the period of the manufacturer\u2019s warranty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping up with maintenance and repairs within the first ten years helps to keep your manufacturer\u2019s warranty active. Plus, if something major goes wrong, the manufacturer\u2019s warranty will kick in and cover the costs, or at least some of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Choosing the Right New Air Conditioner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it is time to upgrade your air conditioner, you want to make a wise choice. After all, you have to live with your air conditioner for the next 10 to 15 years, so you want it to work great from start to finish. The first thing you need to consider is the SEER2 rating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having a strong energy-efficiency rating will go a long way toward helping your air conditioner operate more effectively. You\u2019ll save on energy costs while also reducing wear and tear to your unit since it won\u2019t have to work as hard to cool your house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also a good idea to consider the size of the unit and make sure your air conditioner is sized for the square footage of your home and our climate zone. If your air conditioner is too small or too large, it will struggle to keep up with cooling your home and may cost more to operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Question: What are the signs that it\u2019s time to replace my air conditioner?<\/strong>
<\/strong>Answer:<\/strong> Common signs include your system being 10 to 15 years old, frequent breakdowns, rising energy bills, weak airflow, or inconsistent cooling throughout your home. If repairs are becoming more common and performance is declining, it may be time to consider a replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question: How long does a typical air conditioner last?<\/strong>
<\/strong>Answer:<\/strong> Most central air conditioning systems last between 10 and 15 years with proper maintenance. As they age, components wear down and efficiency decreases, making them more expensive to operate and more prone to unexpected failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question: Will a new air conditioner lower my energy bills?<\/strong>
<\/strong>Answer:<\/strong> Yes, newer air conditioning systems are built with improved energy efficiency standards. Replacing an outdated unit can help reduce monthly utility costs, improve cooling performance, and provide more consistent comfort throughout your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question: Is it better to repair or replace an older AC unit?<\/strong>
<\/strong>Answer:<\/strong> If your system is relatively new and the repair is minor, fixing it may be the right choice. However, if the unit is older and repair costs are high or recurring, replacing it can be a more cost effective long term investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question: What are the benefits of upgrading to a modern AC system?<\/strong>
<\/strong>Answer:<\/strong> Upgrading provides improved reliability, better humidity control, quieter operation, and enhanced overall comfort. Modern systems are designed to cool more efficiently, reduce strain on components, and deliver consistent performance during peak summer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n