When Should I Replace My Air Conditioner? (2025)
Deciding to replace your air conditioner isn’t always easy. It’s a big decision for your home, and an investment that is going to play a critical role in your home comfort and energy bills for the next decade or so.
It’s also not always obvious that it’s time to replace your air conditioner. In some cases, the AC stops working and it’s very clear that the only solution is to replace the broken system with a new one. But in a lot of other instances, the AC may still be “working”, but it may be a better idea to replace it.
I’ve replaced hundreds of air conditioners in our area of Pennsylvania, and I know exactly what to look for. Usually during routine maintenance it’s easy to see if the system is on its last legs. This is why it’s important to schedule service once a year. It gives your technician a chance to prolong the life of your AC, improve energy efficiency, and make sure the system is up to the job. It’s also an opportunity for us to let you know if you should start considering replacing the AC.
If you want some help with your air conditioner, give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online. Our experts can take a look at your current system and let you know if it’s time to replace it. If it is, we’ll assess your home and give you options that best suit your needs for cooling.
What Are The Signs I Should Replace My AC System?
There are some very obvious signs that it’s time to replace your AC, and also some that are a bit more subtle. I want to walk you through a few of these signs that it’s time to replace your AC, and let you know how to handle the situation.
The AC Isn’t Turning On
So this is the easiest sign to see if your AC needs to be replaced. If the system isn’t turning on, it could be time to replace it. We recommend calling in an HVAC technician to look at your system. If it’s not a simple fix, it could mean that it’s time to replace the air conditioning system.
The AC Turns On But Isn’t Cooling
If the AC turns on but isn’t cooling, it’s a sign that there’s a problem. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to replace your air conditioner though. First, replace the air filter. Your air filter should be replaced every couple of months, and if it’s clogged, it could be preventing the air from flowing properly.
If the air filter isn’t the problem, it could be something more. We recommend you call a professional to look at your air conditioner if the filter change doesn’t fix it. There could be an issue with the ductwork, leaking and letting the cool air seep out into the walls. There could be a problem with the cooling system itself that the technician can fix.
If the filter is fine, the ducts are sealed, and there is still an issue, it may be time to replace the AC if a repair isn’t the solution.
Read More: Should I Repair Or Replace My Air Conditioner
Your Energy Bills Are Way Too High
As your AC system ages, it can gradually lose energy efficiency. Routine maintenance and taking care of the system will help you retain energy efficiency, but over time it can still dissipate. First thing you should do is have your AC system looked at by a professional. There may be a way to improve energy efficiency without replacing your AC.
An energy assessment will let you know if the AC is the problem, or if there’s something else causing this problem. For example, if you live in a home without proper insulation, it could lead to inefficiency, and spending way too much money on energy bills. Even if your AC is cooling, costing you hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars more than it should is not a proper solution.
An HVAC technician will be able to inspect the AC, and take a look at your ductwork. If these aren’t problems, then it could be insulation. The technician will be able to provide some guidance, and let you know if it’s time to replace the air conditioner.
What Time Of Year Should You Replace Your AC?
Now that you know a bit of what to look for when it comes to AC replacement, what is the best time of year to do it? We recommend replacing your AC in the Spring, before the real heat of the Summer kicks in. Of course, it’s not always up to you when you replace the air conditioner. If the AC stops working, it’s going to need to be replaced. But, if you have the ability to choose when to replace the AC rather than being forced into it, we prefer the Spring.
During the Spring, HVAC companies are usually less busy, and have more availability to install the system at your convenience. There are also typically rebates and specials available during these times, to incentivize homeowners to replace their HVAC systems. For example, in our area, the Electrical Association of Philadelphia offers rebates on energy efficient HVAC replacements, but only in the Spring and Fall. Their current program is running from February 10th, 2025 through May 16th, 2025. It will go away for the Summer, and return again in the Fall!
As we said, you don’t always get to choose when you replace your AC system, but if you do have the option to choose, we recommend the Spring!
Replacing Your Air Conditioner On The Main Line
Are you thinking about replacing your air conditioner?! If the answer is yes, we can help! We specialize in air conditioner replacements on the Main Line, and the surrounding towns. We are located in Havertown, PA, but we work all over the area. From Radnor and Ardmore to Villanova and Haverford, we are all over the community. Whether it’s time to replace the AC, or you simply need a routine service, give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online. One of our comfort specialists would be happy to help you out!
