Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Summer is right around the corner, so you’ll want to make sure that your air conditioner (AC) is in tip-top shape before the temperatures start to rise. The last thing you want when the hot weather arrives is a broken AC.

But how, exactly, can you tell when your AC is broken beyond repair?

A recent video from realtor.com outlined tell-tale signs that it’s time to replace your air conditioner with a new unit, including:

• It’s over 15 years old. According to the video, most ACs will last 12 to 15 years. If your unit is coming up on, or has passed the 15-year mark, you’ll definitely want to consider swapping out your AC for a newer model, or start budgeting for one in the near future.
• Repairs are adding up. Minor AC issues can be repaired, but if you’re constantly repairing your air conditioner unit, and the repair costs are starting to pile up, you might just want to buy a new unit. As a general rule of thumb, if the repair costs are 50 percent or more of a new unit, it’s best to skip the repairs and invest in a new model.
• Your energy bills are high. Some ACs are more energy efficient than others. If your energy bills skyrocket in the summer months, it may be worthwhile to invest in a more efficient AC unit. It may have more upfront costs, but it can save you money in energy bills over time.