Is it Time to Replace My Air Conditioner?

Suffering through a Brisbane summer could make anybody appreciate the cooling power of a good air conditioner. Most air conditioners are very reliable, and regular servicing can keep them ready for action. But, like anything else, air conditioners fail over time. As parts wear out and refrigerant systems begin to leak, keeping up with maintenance can become a struggle. In this article we’re going to go over the common signs of a failing air conditioner and help you figure out whether it’s time to replace the system.

It Isn’t As Cold As It Used to Be

An air conditioner that has been properly maintained should provide excellent cooling whenever you need it. If you start noticing that your air conditioner isn’t as powerful as it used to be, it can be a warning sign that something is wrong with the unit.

Lots of things can cause air conditioners to be less effective. Struggling motors, blocked filters and refrigerant leaks could all be the culprit. It’s usually possible to repair the issue, but a new air conditioner will be the better option in some cases. It’s worth noting that older air conditioners that use R22 (also known as Freon) refrigerant may become harder to service in the future. From 2020, Australia is phasing out the use of R22 except for servicing existing appliances.

Higher Utility Bills

It’s no secret that older air conditioners aren’t the most energy-efficient item around the home. The motors and compressors that keep your house cool can be power-hungry at the height of summer. Even still, it’s worth keeping an eye on your power bills during the months where you run your air conditioning frequently. If your utility bills start increasing unexpectedly, a failing air conditioner could be to blame. Air conditioners get less effective as they age, and they begin drawing more power to try and compensate for the lack of cooling. If your air con is in good condition then it might just need to be serviced. Otherwise, huge power bills are a sign that your system might be on its way out.

Needs to be Serviced A LOT

Even the best air conditioners will have components fail over time. We’d recommend servicing a healthy air conditioner at least once per year. If you find yourself calling out your air conditioning technician for more frequent maintenance and repairs, it might be time to replace the unit. Eventually, motors burn out, electrical components fail and refrigerant systems leak. Those items can all be repaired individually, but if the repair bills are starting to stack up then it could be more cost-effective to simply replace the unit for something newer.

The System is Over a Decade Old

Air conditioning technology has come a long way in the past decade. And, while modern systems often last for 15-20 years, older air conditioners usually only live for 10-12 years. It makes sense when you think about it, designs are continually improving and without regular servicing, it can significantly shorten their lives, especially if they aren’t kept in good condition.

Older air conditioners will start to show all of the above signs as they age. Less ability to cool, higher energy bills and more frequent repairs can all make it more cost effective to replace the unit. If that sounds drastic then don’t forget that newer air conditioners are also far more energy-efficient! Replacing an older air conditioner for a newer model could save you on repair costs and power bills, and go a long way to keeping your home comfortable.

Does Your Air Conditioner Need to be Updated? Get in Touch with Technicool!

Modern air conditioners are fantastic machines that can offer years – or even decades – of trouble-free cooling. But, if your systems are starting to show signs of being worn out, it could be time to look into replacements. The team at Technicool is more than happy to help with diagnosing air conditioner problems and providing advice on repair or replacement options! We service and install a wide range of ducted and split system air conditioners for businesses and homes all over the Brisbane region. For help with your air conditioner, feel free to contact us at any time!