It’s normal to try to repair your AC unit when it fails, so many people can’t tell when an air conditioner needs replacing. Ongoing repairs can end up costing you more money over time.

With our experience in the air conditioning industry, we know there are a few tell-tale signs that it’s time to replace rather than repair.

Let us share with you what we know are some of the top 7 causes for air conditioner replacements:

1. AC Unit is Over 15 Years Old

Air conditioners have a lifespan of 10-15 years, so if yours is over 15 years old, it’s probably time to replace it. Though you can extend the life of an AC unit with regular maintenance and check-ups, if your old unit is no longer working efficiently, it may be more cost-effective to buy a new one instead. If not, you’ll spend more money on utility bills and maintenance repairs for a unit that doesn’t do the job properly anymore.

2. It’s Frequently Leaking

Sometimes, the refrigerants used in air conditioners leak, and this problem can usually be resolved with a quick repair. However, if your air conditioner is frequently leaking, you likely have a problem with clogged drains, blocked filters or a broken condensate pump. While these things can all be repaired, if they’re constantly breaking, the entire unit should be replaced.

3. It Has Poor Airflow

Airflow refers to the amount of air that travels in and out of your air conditioner. If your unit cannot balance airflow, it won’t cool all spaces equally and will become less energy-efficient. The issue could be caused by the ductwork, filters, vents or condenser coils. The older these components are, the less effective they will be at balancing airflow, so installing a new unit should be considered.

4. It Makes Strange Noises

There are plenty of explanations for an air conditioner making strange noises. Sometimes, internal parts come loose and rattle; other times, components become faulty and make the entire unit less powerful. If the unit is still quite young, you should be able to repair the damage causing the noise, but if an older unit is malfunctioning, then those strange noises could end up costing a lot more money.

5. It Blows Warm Air

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as an air conditioner that blows warm air when it isn’t supposed to. If you’ve already attempted to repair the problem and it reoccurs, there’s something more excessive wrong with your AC unit, especially if it’s old. You could pay more money to keep repairing a faulty cooling system, or you could invest in a new unit that will cool your home without any interference.

6. It Isn’t Energy Efficient

Modern AC units are designed to be energy efficient, so they use less energy to cool your home. If you notice a huge spike in your utility bills after using your air conditioner, it likely isn’t energy efficient. Paying more on bills every month could add up to more than a new unit would cost, so it’s worth considering replacing your old unit with a more efficient option.

7. It Requires Excessive Repairs

Finally, your air conditioner definitely needs replacing if it requires regular, excessive repairs. The general rule of thumb is that if your AC requires repair jobs that cost more than 50% of what a new unit does, it should be replaced. These repairs aren’t cheap, so it’s worth weighing up the cost of a replacement versus several excessive repairs that also disrupt your usage of the air conditioner.

Benefits of Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Though air conditioners are expensive, there are several benefits to replacing your old unit with a new one:

• Cost-effectiveness: You’ll save money on energy bills with a new, efficient unit.

• Better cooling power: A faulty unit can’t provide the power needed to cool your home.

• Increased airflow: Newer air conditioners remove more humidity and dust from the air.

• Eco-friendliness: Modern AC units use more environmentally friendly refrigerants.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

FAQs

How long do air conditioners last in Australia?

An AC unit in Australia can last the estimated 10-15 years or even longer, so long as it is regularly maintained.

Some of the hotter Australian states, like Queensland, may cause air conditioners to breakdown more often because they’ll be running most of the time. If you live in a more humid state, it’s wise to have a professional check on your air conditioner once a year.

How much does it cost to replace an air conditioner?

The cost of a new air conditioner in Australia can range from as little as AU$300 to as much as AU$5,000. It all depends on the type of unit you’re replacing and installation costs.

A basic unit will be relatively cheap, but if you want to upgrade from your old air conditioner to a newer, more complex model, you’ll pay more. More expensive options include a portable unit, a split system or a ducted system. It’s always best to get several quotes for comparison.

Do air conditioners get less effective over time?

Air conditioners are durable devices, but they’re still subject to the general wear and tear of time. The older an AC unit gets, the less effective it will be. The filters and drainage system will become less efficient, and several other components will wear out.

Once an air conditioner reaches its tenth birthday, it may start to decline. Most units need to be replaced around the fifteenth year. When your air conditioner needs replacing, you can shop around for the most effective unit that suits your home.