Is It Time for a New AC Unit? When to Repair vs. Replace

Avoid Unnecessary Expenses on Outdated Air Conditioning Units 

Anyone who has experienced an AC breakdown on a scorching hot day knows how uncomfortable it can be. Thankfully, Issaquah, WA, and the surrounding areas boast mild climates, and extremely hot days are rare, but when they do hit, you want your air conditioner to be reliable. To avoid an untimely failure, it’s important to monitor your cooling system’s health and decide whether to repair issues or replace an aging unit before a major problem happens.

The decision to opt for AC repair or replace an air conditioning unit depends on a few key factors. How old is the unit? Are your energy bills climbing for no apparent reason? Is the AC struggling to keep your home comfortable? In this post, we’ll explore each of these along with local factors, like climate and energy costs, to help you make an informed decision.

SEE MORE: 5 Smart HVAC Upgrades to Make Your Home More Comfortable 

How Long Do AC Units Last? 

Most central air conditioning systems last about 15–20 years. If your AC is within or beyond this age range, it may be nearing the end of its useful life. In temperate climates, where summer highs average around 73°F,  your AC might not run as relentlessly as it would in a hotter region. That lighter workload sometimes helps an AC last toward the upper end of the lifespan range. 

However, age still takes its toll on any cooling system. Air conditioners naturally become less efficient and more prone to breaking down as the years pass. Once your unit passes the 10-year mark, it may lose performance even if it still technically runs. You might also notice it needs repairs more often as it gets older.

Are You Seeing Rising Energy Bills? 

Another red flag your AC might be on its last legs is a sudden jump in your electric bills. If you notice your summer electricity costs climbing higher each year without changing how you use the AC, an aging air conditioner could be the culprit. As AC units lose efficiency over time, they often have to run longer or work harder to cool your home. This extra run-time drives up electricity use.

For example, a 20-year-old air conditioner might have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) as low as 8–10, whereas modern models today typically have SEER ratings of 14 or higher. That means the old unit could use nearly twice the electricity to provide the same cooling output as a new system. In short, an older AC’s inefficiency shows up directly on your utility bill.

Is Your AC Unit Slowing Down?

Beyond age and energy costs, pay attention to how well your AC is cooling. There are several telltale signs that your air conditioner’s performance is declining. If you’re noticing any of the following issues, it may indicate that a repair isn’t enough and a replacement should be considered:

• Frequent breakdowns: If your AC requires you to call a repair technician multiple times in a season, that’s a red flag. Replacing part after part can get expensive, and at some point, it makes more sense to invest in a new system.
  
  
• Strange noises or odors: Loud grinding, banging, or screeching sounds, as well as musty or burning smells, are signs of serious problems inside the AC. These often point to major component failures (like a failing motor or mold in the ducts) that may not be worth fixing.
  
  
• Weak or uneven cooling: An aging system can struggle to maintain consistent temperatures and proper humidity. You might notice parts of the home stay too warm or feel clammy. This is a clue that the AC is no longer able to keep up with demand, and key components may be deteriorating.
  
  
• Constant operation or short cycling: If your AC runs nonstop without ever reaching the thermostat-set temperature or turns on and off every few minutes (short cycling), it’s a sign the AC can’t keep up. 

Any one of these issues is cause for concern. When you have multiple symptoms (for example, your unit is 15+ years old and struggling to cool, and your bills are high), that’s a strong indication that your AC is nearing the end of its life.

Don’t let your AC struggles drag on. If your cooling system shows signs of age or inefficiency, call us or fill out our contact form today. We’ll help you decide whether repairing or installing a new Bryant unit is the right move.