Is it Time for a New AC?

AC unite outside of house

All year, your HVAC system keeps you comfortable. In the winter, it maintains your home at a warm-enough temperature, and in the summer, it lowers the temp to a tolerable level.

Your heating and air conditioning also distribute fresh air, and remove contaminants and allergens by ventilating your home.

When temperature control is not working properly, one of the first clues will be sky-high energy bills. Repairs can fix some problems, but other times, it makes more economic sense to replace your entire system.

Other Signs it’s Time For A New AC

  • When you can’t maintain a comfortable temperature in winter or summer, and find yourself layering and unlayering your clothing non-stop.
  • When the system is not removing humidity as effectively as before.
  • When you are seeing more dust than you are used to. This may be a sign the system is not circulating and filtering the air. (Of course, you might just need your air filter changed.)
  • When the system is between 15 and 20 years old. If the system is over 10 years old, it may still seem functional, but it’s probably becoming a lot less efficient and costing more to operate than before. The more a heating and cooling system is used, the faster it wears out. Replacement makes more sense over time, because repairs, cleaning and energy costs are higher than the cost of a new, more energy-efficient system.

New Air Conditioning Units

Some contemporary HVAC units are significantly more energy-efficient than those manufactured just a decade ago, and can pay for themselves in short order. They will typically last at least 15 years.

A major repair can cost half or more than a replacement if your AC or heating systems breaks down. Large repairs usually indicate a machine is nearing the end of its usefulness.

How a Professional Can Help

Your qualified HVAC technician can tell you whether the issue you are having is small—like the thermostat batteries are spent—or big, like the compressor is dead.

Depending on the age of your home and how long you intend to keep living in it, it may make sense to hold on and avoid the expense of a new system.

A reputable HVAC company like Jansen Heating and Cooling can help you decide if it is time, and what you should buy.

What if Only the AC Compressor is Bad?

Few things are as irritating as your outside AC unit not turning on when it’s a stifling day. Numerous things can negatively affect an AC compressor, including faulty electrical components, insufficient liquid refrigerant, leaking refrigerant, or failure of the compressor’s motor.

While some of these are a simple repair, the air conditioner’s compressor may also be going bad. The compressor is the main component that drives air cooling, so it must work if you want a cool house.

What will it cost if the compressor is shot?

A new one typically ranges from about $800 to $2,800, although the national average is about $1,200. The size of the system, the type and the brand, and the cost of labor in your market will all affect cost. Many times, the replacement compressor does not have to be brand-specific. A generic unit could save you up to $200. But if your AC is still under warranty, your technician will probably recommend the brand you had before.

The cost of a new compressor is a lot less than replacing an entire HVAC system, so unless your system is over 15 years old, it probably makes sense to change out just the compressor.

Don’t make any decision until you have had the AC checked out by a highly-reputable HVAC company in your area.

Furnace Tune Up

$129 System Tune Up

Maintenance Club Members
Save $30

SCHEDULE NOW

Cool Cash Savings

Save up to $2100

With Purchase of a
Qualifying System

Schedule A Quote

Plus Special Financing

0% Up to 60 Months

Subject to credit approval.
See dealer for details.

Schedule a Quote