Signs You Have An Old Air Conditioner
An air conditioner is a key component of your home that keeps you comfortable during the summer. These systems can last for years, and have a major impact on two things: Your home comfort and your energy bills. As the system gets older, it can become less efficient and struggle to keep the home cool, and the energy bills down.
At John Cipollone Inc., we have been servicing and replacing air conditioning systems in the Havertown area since 1953, and we know all the signs of an aging HVAC system. From my grandpop all the way to myself, we have seen it all, and can help you make the right decisions when it comes to air conditioning maintenance and care. The goal is to have the AC not only last as long as possible, but also to run smoothly during its time of operation.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the signs you may have an aging HVAC system, and what you can do to prolong the life of your AC and take proper care of it. If you want to speak to an expert today, give John Cipollone Inc. a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online. One of our comfort specialists will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you out with your home comfort!
How Long Do Air Conditioning Systems Last?
Most central air conditioning systems last between 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. However, many factors affect the lifespan of your unit, such as how often it’s used, the quality of the installation, and how well it’s been maintained over the years. Once your AC gets close to or past that 12-year mark, it’s time to start paying attention to how well it’s working—and whether it’s time to think about a replacement.
Signs You Have An Old AC
Even if you’re not sure how old your AC is, certain signs can tip you off that it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. If you do know how old your air conditioner is, these signs may indicate that it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.
Your System Isn’t Cooling Your Home
If your home never seems quite cool enough—even though your AC is running—there’s a good chance the system isn’t operating like it used to. As AC units age, they lose their efficiency and their ability to effectively cool the home. You may find certain rooms are warmer than others or that the system has to run constantly just to keep up.
Now this isn’t always a sign that there is a problem with your air conditioner. There could be leakage in your ductwork, or old insulation that isn’t as efficient, and not keeping the home comfortable. We recommend you have a professional take a look at your AC unit, and see if that’s the root of the problem, or you are having trouble with your ductwork. We’ve even seen cases where the filter was very clogged and simply needed to be replaced.
Your AC System Uses Old Refrigerants
Older AC systems may still use R-22 (Freon), which has been phased out due to environmental concerns. If your system runs on R-22, not only is it outdated, but repairs involving refrigerant recharge are more expensive and harder to complete due to the limited supply.
If you aren’t sure what kind of refrigerant your AC uses, you can look at your manual for the system, or ask your HVAC technician during a routine service. They will let you know what kind of refrigerant your AC uses.
If you have an air conditioner that uses old refrigerant, it doesn’t mean it needs to be replaced right away. If the unit is working it’s fine to run. But, if you have a leak, or need a repair, it could be pricey, and you’ll want to consider replacing it with an environmentally friendly, energy efficient cooling system.
Your AC Is Driving The Energy Bills Up
If your energy bills are rising even though you are using the AC normally, your system may be to blame. As HVAC systems get older, they can become less efficient and require more energy to deliver the same results.
Take a look at your energy bills compared to last year’s, and also to your neighbors. In our area of PA, lots of people use PECO, who offers a comparison to both your previous years, and your more energy efficient neighbors usage. If you notice that your usage is higher than it should be, have an expert take a look at your air conditioning system. It could be costing you more than it should.
You Experience Breakdowns More Often
Are you calling for repairs every single summer? Frequent breakdowns are probably the biggest red flag. This is usually a sign that the system is nearing the end, and it’s also costing you a lot of money to keep fixing! At some point, it becomes more cost-effective to invest in a new AC rather than patching up an old one that keeps breaking down.
Your AC Is Noisier Than Before
Older AC units often get louder with age. You might hear banging, rattling, or squealing sounds that weren’t there before. These noises could be coming from worn-out parts or loose components. If you notice the air kicking on because you hear a loud sound from the condenser outside, it’s usually not a good thing.
Still, this is not a sign that your AC definitely needs to be replaced. Instead, have a professional take a look at it. It may simply need to be cleaned and serviced. Or maybe a part needs to be replaced. Loud noises aren’t uncommon, but if they are louder than usual, we recommend scheduling a professional service.
How To Prolong The Life Of Your AC
No matter if your AC is brand new or on the older side, there are a few important steps you can take to extend its life and keep it running efficiently.
Schedule Regular Service
The best way to keep your AC in good working order is to schedule annual professional maintenance. During a routine air conditioner service, your system will be cleaned and inspected. We will ensure it’s running efficiently, and help you get ahead of any breakdowns or problems on the horizon .
We recommend that you schedule AC service at least once a year to make sure you get the most out of your AC by lengthening the lifespan of your unit, improving the cooling, and maintaining energy efficiency.
Change Your Air Filters
Changing your air filters is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help your AC last longer. A clogged or dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing the system to work harder than necessary. If it gets clogged up, it can hurt the system by backing up air. This is going to make the air in your home dirtier, and also make your system work harder than it should.
We recommend changing your filters every 1–3 months, especially during heavy use in the summer. It’s easy to change your filter on your own, but if you need some direction, ask your technician during routine maintenance, check out our video, or have a look at your owner’s manual.
Relieve The Stress On Your AC When Possible
Small habits can make a big difference in reducing the strain on your AC system. Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air, close curtains during the hottest parts of the day, and avoid running heat-generating appliances while the sun is out if possible. Keeping your home shaded and ventilated helps your AC do its job with less effort.
You can even consider planting trees that will bring some shade to your home. Making your home cooler helps relieve the job your AC has to perform!
Replacing Your Old AC In Havertown, PA
If your system is showing signs of aging and you are thinking about upgrading your cooling, we can help you out! Upgrading to a modern, high-efficiency system will give you better cooling, lower energy bills, and likely better indoor air quality as well. You will also have some peace of mind knowing you have a brand new cooling system that won’t break down anytime soon.
At John Cipollone Inc., we specialize in replacing air conditioning systems in Havertown, PA and the surrounding area. Whether you’re ready for a new system or just want a professional opinion, we’re here to help you make the best decision for your home comfort and budget.
Call us today at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online to schedule a free estimate or AC service appointment. We will make sure your AC is ready to handle the heat!
