Even with the best AC, you’ll eventually need to invest in a replacement. Given how hot Sacramento summers can get, your family needs a reliable, well-maintained AC to keep cool. The last thing you want is for your air conditioner to completely break down on a sweltering hot day.
One of the most difficult parts of dealing with a faulty AC is determining whether you need repairs or a full AC replacement. There are several signs that may indicate your AC needs to be replaced. Additionally, a professional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) consultation can help you figure out if a full replacement makes the most sense.
If you want to ensure your AC unit’s condition, reach out to Fox Family Heating & Air. Our team of professional technicians can discuss the common signs your AC might need a replacement.
Top Signs Your AC Needs a Replacement
As a homeowner, there are a few ways you can know when to replace your AC.
- Age: A central air conditioner will typically last for up to 15 to 20 years. However, energy efficiency and performance can decline before this age. If your AC is 10 years old and starts to malfunction, it may be time to look into a new replacement.
- Refrigerant Leaks: Refrigerant leaks or leaky condensate drain lines can be expensive to repair. A well-maintained AC shouldn’t have refrigerant leaks, but this type of problem can start to develop if the AC is growing older.
- Outdated R22 Refrigerants: If your system uses outdated refrigerants like R-22, also known as R22 freon, repairs may be prohibited or extremely costly due to federal phaseouts. R22 refrigerants were banned as of January 1, 2020, except for recycled or stockpiled supplies. For this reason, after 2022, it has been asked by the EPA to replace such AC units.
- Lack of Airflow: When your AC isn’t producing enough air, you should first check to make sure that the vents are adequately opened and not blocked. You may also need to replace your air filter. If these steps don’t work, you may have a malfunctioning blower motor or other problems.
- Poor Performance: Sometimes, you may notice poor cooling performance, high humidity, or uneven temperatures in different locations in your home. All of these performance-related symptoms are an indication that you may need an AC replacement in Sacramento.
- High Energy Bills: If your energy bills jump for no explainable reason, there may be an underlying problem with your AC that’s causing it to work harder.
- Short Cycling: An AC can short-cycle if it is experiencing performance issues or if it’s undersized for your home’s cooling load. In both of these cases, you may need to budget for an update.
Should I Repair or Replace My AC
Once you notice signs your AC needs replacing, the next step is determining if you need a full replacement or just simple repairs. The following are a few of the most important factors in making your decision.
Extent of the Damage
Repair Your AC: When one of our HVAC technicians evaluates your AC, we’ll provide you with a list of recommended repairs.
Replace Your AC: If you need to perform multiple AC repairs, you may be better off investing in a new air conditioning unit.
Cost of Repairs
Repair Your AC: When the cost of repairs is less than $5,000, then repairs are the best course of action. Although this is a fairly simple way to look at it, it’s a general guide you can use as you make your decision.
Replace Your AC: There’s a simple formula for determining when to replace your AC. You take the estimated cost of repairs and multiply it by the AC’s age in years. If this results in a figure higher than $5,000, then it is generally a better idea to get an AC replacement.
Age of the AC
Repair Your AC: If your air conditioner is still new or is less than ten years old, it may not be the right time to consider replacing it just yet, especially if you properly maintain your unit.
Replace Your AC: The typical air conditioner lifespan is 15 to 20 years for a central air conditioner. However, repairs start to become more likely after an AC is 10 years old. If it starts to break down at this point, it’s a good idea to consider a replacement.
Energy Bills
Repair Your AC: When there is a slight increase in your energy bills, you might just need a professional to diagnose and address issues on your system.
Replace Your AC: As an AC grows older, it becomes less efficient. This can lead to a significant increase in energy bills. If your energy bills keep going up each month without a clear reason, you should invest in a new AC.
Whenever you’re dealing with minor issues or low repair costs, it generally makes more sense to perform repairs. Extensive damage, older ACs, and costly repairs are all indications that you should get a Rancho Cordova AC replacement instead.
Benefits of Replacing Your AC
By investing in a new AC, you can enjoy a few important benefits.
- Better Air Quality: A well-maintained, new AC can filter the air better, leading to better air quality in your home.
- Lower Energy Costs: Switching to a new, energy-efficient AC can lower your energy costs by as much as 23%. Plus, energy-efficient models can also reduce your overall costs through energy-efficient tax credits as well.
- Fewer Repairs: By switching to a new AC, you can reduce the likelihood and frequency of repairs.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: Because new models tend to use less energy, they can help you lower your carbon footprint.
- Better Comfort: More importantly, a new AC ensures the comfort of your loved ones. When Sacramento starts to heat up in the summer, you don’t want a malfunctioning AC to suddenly break down.
Why Choose Fox Family for AC Replacement
If you’re looking for an HVAC replacement near me, you’ve come to the right place. Fox Family Heating & Air has spent years helping Sacramento and Rancho Cordova homeowners get the HVAC repairs and replacements they need. Local residents and businesses turn to us for several key reasons.
- Trusted Expertise: We have spent years working on air conditioner replacements in Sacramento. Our team understands the area’s climate and local comfort preferences, so we can deliver the best results possible.
- Flexible Financing: As a homeowner, it’s hard to prepare for an emergency AC breakdown. To help Sacramento residents out, we offer flexible financing plans that can make your future HVAC replacements more affordable.
- Upfront Pricing: At Fox Family, we are committed to transparency. We never charge hidden fees.
- Customer Service: From same-day or next-day services to courteous technicians, we prioritize your experience.
Book an AC Consultation Today
Whether you noticed unusual sounds or a high energy bill, it may be time to get your AC serviced. During a professional AC maintenance appointment, we can lubricate moving parts, clean your unit, and evaluate the current state of your AC. If repairs are needed, our team can recommend the best course of action.
Even with consistent maintenance, your AC will eventually reach the end of its lifespan. When this happens, our experienced HVAC technicians can help you determine when you need an AC replacement or repair services.
Find out more about AC replacements in Sacramento and get an estimate by calling our team today at 1-916-877-1577.
