Signs it is Time for an AC Replacement

The last three years have been an incredible ride; so much has changed, and the changes resulting from the pandemic are perhaps the most evident in the real estate market. How remarkably have these changes impacted the real estate market in Houston?

• During an average year, 13% of U.S. families change residence. However, that number has risen to almost 20% in the last two years.¹
• Approximately 70,000 new families made Houston their home last year alone.²

The changes are so large that a trickle-down effect impacts so many other fields, including, of course, the HVAC sector. Let us explain.

Many people moved into homes recently that are new to them, with an HVAC system that they are unfamiliar with. Some have never experienced the temperature extremes they faced in the last seasons. They are having questions about their furnace and air conditioner, and no question will be more puzzling than “How can I know when to replace this system?”

Determining the Age of Your System

When you find the faceplate for your components, you may find a date, but if not, you can determine the age from the model number. Each manufacturer has a method to indicate the date. Find the faceplate for both the furnace and the air conditioner compressor, since occasionally an air conditioner is replaced before the furnace.

Why is the age of your system important? On average, an air conditioner will need to be replaced after 15 to 20 years; the electrical and mechanical system that cools your home requires constant extreme gas pressure changes. These parts tend to wear the component parts faster than your furnace components. On average, the furnace components will last a few years longer and exceed the 20-year mark. The best-case scenario is when the air conditioner lasts long enough that replacing both the furnace and AC systems makes economic sense.

When to Replace

The age of your system is only one factor you need for determining an optimal replacement time. Some factors can be gathered from research, and some will just take time.

1. How efficient is your HVAC system? The best non-technical method for determining efficiency is to watch your utility bills. The price of energy has been on the rise, so don’t jump to conclusions. When an HVAC system begins to falter, energy use will spike dramatically. Of course, a rise in the summertime utility bills indicates an air conditioner decline, while a wintertime utility bill rise indicates a furnace decline. If you need a little more information, check with your utility company for energy costs over a longer period.
2. How frequent are your repairs? Your system should be serviced annually and occasionally it will require component repair or replacements. However, when the repairs become frequent, it is a signal to make some replacement plans. Or, when the repair/replacement costs are extremely high, it certainly helps to decide on a replacement. Note: many common HVAC problems result from the lack of maintenance, so do not skip regular preventative maintenance.
3. How old is your technology? Every year, engineers work on developing new equipment and new techniques for heating and cooling, with increased efficiency with each iteration. Recent technological developments include new refrigerant gases. These gases are advanced and are environmentally safer than older gas technologies; therefore, older gas technologies are no longer available. If your air conditioner uses old gas technology and requires the gas to be replaced, it may require the air conditioner to be replaced.

Need assistance with your AC Replacement?

With our four decades of experience as an AC Replacement contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with the steps to answer questions about AC Replacement.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Furnace Repair, Tune Up maintenance, and AC Replacement needs.

¹ https://www.northamerican.com/relocation-moving-statistics#:~:text=U.S.%20Population%20Information%20and%20Statistics&text=More%20than%2030%20million%20people,a%20new%20home%20or%20apartment.

² https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Houston-s-population-increased-as-other-major-17026496.php#:~:text=The%20Greater%20Houston%20area%20added,Bureau’s%20population%20estimates%20for%202021.