Steps to AC Replacement
Often, the term “life cycle” is used to describe air conditioner function. Those who use it know that machines are not alive and do not die, but the words adequately convey the functioning years of air conditioner service. Certain events are rather common for every air conditioner system, so these events describe every AC system, including yours. Let’s look at some of these common happenings—perhaps you will recognize your AC’s stage.
Beginnings
When a new air conditioner system is installed, it is prime, state-of-the-art, and as efficient as it will ever be. This building system is sized to the existing structure and uses the latest in refrigerant gas technology. The electronics are strong and the blower motor—the workhorse of the system—is designed to circulate the entire volume of air in the home every two minutes or so.
While the air conditioner system is new, most manufacturers agree to warranty parts and labor. Pay very close attention to these guidelines, since repairs covered under the warranty may require action by the homeowner. Usually, annual preventative maintenance is required.
Middle Stages
The average air conditioner remains in service for 15+ years. If the homeowner faithfully maintains the system, it will expand the useful “life” of the system; an additional 5 to 10 years of usefulness are possible with proper maintenance. Other factors that influence the number of useful years include climate and insulation value in the home—factors that determine how hard the system must work over a long time. If you were not the homeowner when the system was installed, find the manufacturer’s date on the model number plaque of the condenser (outdoors) unit.
During the middle stages, the system will continue to function well. Keeping up with maintenance will ensure that any minor problems are discovered and repaired and the system functions as efficiently as possible. However, every year, by minor increments, the function will lose efficiency.
By year 15, the loss of efficiency will probably be evident on the energy bill each month. Due to age, the air conditioner may struggle to keep occupants comfortable during lengthy heatwaves with several days in triple digits. During this stage, the energy efficiency of a new system has been demonstrated to repay the cost of a new air conditioning system over an established number of years.
Later Years
Unfortunately, mechanical systems do not last forever—the same is true of cars, cell phones, and air conditioners. After 15 years, anticipate that repairs may become larger and more expensive. Efficiency will continue to fall. During this period, wise homeowners should be planning and budgeting for a new system. Talking to technicians and installers might inspire some improvement with a new system, such as UV lights to neutralize airborne biological lifeforms or a Smart thermostat.
Failure
In some situations, homeowners choose to keep an older system until the very end of the useful “life.” During this final stage, repairs will increase, and efficiency will decrease. Eventually, a repair will be required that is so expensive that replacement is a better financial option. During this stage, a catastrophic failure of the compressor in the condenser unit is often the tipping point. Replacing this part is extremely important and the part may not be possible. Expect this to happen at a most inopportune time—during an extremely hot day. An emergency replacement may take a couple of weeks since the stress of a heatwave takes out several air conditioners every day. Getting the absolute most out of the system may come at the cost of days of discomfort.
For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our AC Replacement services, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC Maintenance Plan information page.