When Should You Replace Your Air Conditioner?

Have you lived in the same home in Mercer County for more than 10 years? It might be time to start thinking about replacing your air conditioner. Sometimes though, a unit’s age may not be noticeable. For example, a well maintained AC unit can last several years past their expected date while still running at optimal performance. However, huge strides in energy efficiency in newer models means that running your older AC unit might be costing you more money.

Check this list to see if it’s time to invest in a new air conditioner for your New Jersey home.

How You’ll Know It’s Time to Replace the Air Conditioner

1. AC Unit is Over 10 Years Old
According to Energy Star, if your AC unit is over 10 years old, it might be time to replace it and install an energy efficient model instead. Upgrading your air conditioner can reduce your energy bill by up to 20%

2. Constant Retroactive Repairs
If you have made more than a few calls to PFO for retroactive repairs, it may be time for a new air conditioning unit. Similar to an old car that needs some part or other to be fixed every few months, an old AC unit’s ongoing repair costs can easily outweigh the cost of purchasing a new one.

3. Indoor Humidity
Leaky ductwork or inefficient equipment can cause the air inside of your home to retain moisture during hot summers. Often times, older AC units can’t condition the air properly during higher or lower temperatures, leading to dry air in the winter and humid air during hot New Jersey summers.

4. Inconsistent Room Temperatures
Your old unit may be having trouble circulating cool air consistently to every room in your home. If the equipment is not operating properly, or if you have duct problems, you may find that some rooms are too hot or too cool. This is a sign that you may need to replace your existing unit. Regardless of the immediate cause, you should still schedule an appointment with an HVAC technician to have it looked at.

5. Strange Sounds
If you hear knocking, hissing, or dripping sounds, you need to have your air conditioner repaired, possibly even replaced if the cause is serious. Different sounds can be something as simple as a leaking pump to a broken fan.

6. Energy Inefficient Unit
Voluntary Energy Star ratings only started to appear in 1992, so many older units may be less energy efficient by default. According to EnergyStar.gov, newer AC units can provide “higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER) ratings, making them over 15% more efficient than conventional models.”

Replace Your Air Conditioner This Year

When it’s time to replace your air conditioner, contact Princeton Fuel Oil. With NATE certified HVAC technicians and the latest Energy Star certified AC units in stock, you can get your new air conditioner at the time, and the cost, you want. Princeton Fuel Oil is known as the best in the business, it’s because their services are reliable and they have a stellar track record for providing high-quality customer service. It is important that when you need air conditioning and heating services, including an AC tune up, you use a reputable and experienced company.