4 Signs it is Time to Replace Your AC

An Old Air Conditioner on its Last Legs: Repair or Replace?

Did you just barely make it through another SCORCHING Kansas summer with an old air conditioner? Durable cooling machines are built to last many years, but not forever. If you have a system that is not keeping up and wondering if you should repair or replace your AC, keep reading to learn about the top things to consider.

Our team at Hanna Heating & Air Conditioning has been servicing residential air conditioners for over 30 years. We have seen just about everything that can go wrong with an AC and handled them. But there are many situations that mean an air conditioning repair is going to cost the homeowner more in the long run – much more!

We go over the top problems with an air conditioner that indicate your unit should get replaced. And we will explain how your decision on whether to repair it will not just affect your home comfort but also your wallet.

Broken AC: Repair or Replace It?

Let’s be clear. Just because your AC stopped working does not mean it needs to be replaced. These units are part of a larger HVAC system with a lot of components and moving parts. A lot of things can go wrong. Sometimes the fix is as simple as cleaning the outside AC unit or replacing a dirty air filter.

At Hanna Heating & Air, our goal is to get your cooling system back up and working again as quickly as possible, as economically smart as possible, and in a way you can rely upon. Even an AC that won’t turn on can often be repaired!

Our HVAC technicians know how to service any type of cooling system and repair any air conditioner that is repairable.  Call us for a quick repair – 24/7 – at (316) 945-3481.

Sometimes an AC can be repaired, but it is just an immediate and temporary solution. The underlying problem may lead to multiple repair calls that can end up being costly. When you think a repair will save money, but sometimes the opposite is true.

Not only that, an old, inefficient unit is likely to spend a lot more energy to keep your home cool than a properly working system. While the cost of an entirely new AC may seem like a lot, often the cost is worth it (or even cheaper!) than putting up with a failing system for several more years.

4 Signs it is Time To Get a New AC

1. It is old. A quality AC that was installed by professionals and has received proper maintenance over the years should last you about 12 – 15 years. If your older air conditioner is showing signs of not working well, you may need to get a new air conditioner.

This is especially true if your AC was installed before 2003. Before then, a particular type of refrigerant, R-22, was used in air conditioners. This refrigerant is getting phased out for environmental reasons and stopped being manufactured in 2020. That means the refrigerant your old AC needs is likely not even available anymore.

2. The AC is making loud noises. We have a whole troubleshooting guide on diagnosing problems from the weird noise your AC is making. While a few types of sounds indicate minor issues, most often mean you have a big problem on your hands.

3. Your upstairs never gets cool. Do you have a 2^nd story that does not get proper airflow in the summer? It is a common problem, especially in older Wichita homes. It may not mean that your AC is breaking down, but that it is not sufficient in cooling both floors. Sometimes a larger AC unit is needed and sometimes adding a 2^nd air conditioner unit is your best solution.

4. You have higher energy bills. Sometimes the biggest sign your air conditioner is dying is with your monthly utility bills. An air conditioner that is not working well will often have to work harder to cool your home than it once did. That means it is running more often and using up more of your home’s energy. That is something you will see in your monthly energy bill. The good news is that modern air conditioners are incredibly efficient. In fact, over the years, the amount of money you save on electric costs may more than offset the cost of replacing your AC!

The Hidden Costs of Unnecessary AC Repair

Sometimes an AC can be repaired, but it is just an immediate and temporary solution. The underlying problem may be so big that it will need to be addressed again and again, leading to multiple more repairs. And that AC repair cost can add up!

Not only that, an old, inefficient unit is likely to spend a lot more energy to keep your home cool than a properly working system. So, while the cost of an entirely new AC may seem like a lot, often the cost is worth it (or even cheaper!) than putting up with a failing system for several more years.

Have An AC Question?

If you are not sure whether your AC should be repaired or replaced, give us a call at Hanna Heating & Air Conditioning. Our company has been trusted for 3 generations for honest and fair work in providing only the service that homeowners need. We will not try to sell you on any unnecessary installation when a repair is all you need. You can count on us to provide you with all the information and options to make an educated decision on your home’s comfort system needs.

Give us a call about your air conditioning system. We can answer any questions on whether to repair an AC unit including options for improving your home’s energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Contact Hanna online or by calling us at 316-945-3481.