AC Replacement: Decoding Your AC’s Warning Signs

Guide to AC Lifespan and AC Replacement Cypress Indicators

Summer is approaching, and already, both the temperature and humidity are climbing. During the summer, Americans spend 90% of the time indoors, finding relief from summertime weather in air-conditioned spaces. Reliance on air conditioning is a hallmark of Southern living… until an air conditioner cannot be relied upon. What commonly causes air conditioners to fail?

Is It Time For An AC Replacement? Top Reasons Your Air Conditioner Fails

1. Like all mechanical systems, air conditioners have a limited useful life. The average age range for air conditioners is between 15 and 20 years, a little longer if the system is maintained annually and the air filter is changed quarterly. Do you know the age of your air conditioner? If you are not sure when your air conditioner was installed, check the serial/model number plate for the major components. The manufacturer’s website can determine the year the system was made, giving an approximate installation date.
2. Age is not the real problem. The real problem is the wear that happens over time. Electrical parts that get used frequently endure minute damage. The damage causes stress in surrounding parts and the whole system must function harder to produce the desired results. When stress starts to damage large components, failure is eminent—its just a matter of time.
3. There are some large air conditioner components that are expensive to repair or replace. Should one of these pieces of equipment fail the cost of replacement will rival an entire system replacement. Replacing the Freon or refrigerant is another repair that can be very expensive. The US Environmental Protection Agency has banned the manufacture of some refrigerant formulas, and the supply of that refrigerant is very limited. The laws of supply and demand make those formulas very expensive and can easily lead to a decision to replace the system.
4. Accumulated repairs. As an air conditioner ages, repair calls commonly become more frequent. While the individual repair costs might not be significant, the accumulated cost might mount very quickly. Another warning sign of accumulated repairs might be seeing the replacement of the same part annually for several years. Either way, make sure to monitor the accumulated cost of repairs.
5. An aging air conditioner may struggle to bring the home space to the desired setting, resulting in “hot spots,” rooms that never seem to get cool enough. The solution might be as simple as replacing the air filter or repairing a hole in the ductwork. However, it might be the result of an old and weakened air conditioner system. When that happens, the failing parts are expensive and the solution is an eventual replacement.
6. When an air conditioner system is weakened, it must work harder, resulting in increased energy use. During later years, the increased energy consumption is observable on the utility bill. Notice the increase in kilowatt hours, since a higher bill might be the result of an increase in electricity costs.

AC Repair or AC Replacement: Which One is For You?

Navigating the sweltering Houston summer without a reliable air conditioner is not just uncomfortable, it’s a genuine problem for your comfort and budget. By understanding the key indicators of AC decline—from its age and accumulating wear to costly repairs, diminished performance, and rising energy bills—you can make an informed decision about whether to repair or replace your system. Being proactive in assessing your AC’s health can save you from the higher costs and significant inconvenience of an emergency breakdown, ensuring your home remains a cool sanctuary even when temperatures and humidity soar. Don’t wait for total failure; arm yourself with this knowledge to stay comfortably cool.

Repair? Replacement? Hopefully, these tips help in decision making. An emergency AC replacement Cypress is a much more expensive and inconvenient venture, so be proactive and prepare in advance of failure.

With our four decades of experience as an AC replacement Cypress contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with your AC replacement Cypress questions.

We have several financing options available with great options. 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 North Houston AC replacement Cypress needs.