How to Know When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Here at Mouritz, we understand air conditioning can be a substantial investment, and one that you hope will last. All of our units are good quality, high performing air conditioning systems. But the fact remains that everything has a lifespan, and the time will come for every air conditioner unit to be replaced. But how do you know when?

How do you know if an AC needs to be replaced?

While ac unit replacement varies, depending on the system you’ve chosen and how long you have had it, there are some universal indicators that it might be time for an air con unit replacement. 

Sometimes the issue might be a single part and you might just need an air conditioner filter replacement or ac compressor replacement for example. Alternatively, it might be time to clean your unit, either yourself or with the help of a professional. But sometimes your entire system will need replacing. Here are the signs to look for. 

The age of the unit

While the length of service your air conditioning unit can offer will depend on factors like climate, maintenance and how heavy your usage is, generally speaking most air conditioning units will need to be replaced after 10 – 15 years. You can extend the lifespan of a unit by ensuring it’s cleaned and maintained regularly.

The size of your electricity bill

One sign that your air conditioning unit might be in need of replacement is the size of your energy bills. If your bills start to increase dramatically but your usage hasn’t changed, it could be the sign of an inefficient machine. 

While a simple health check and possible repair might be enough to get your energy costs  back on track, this could be a possible indicator that it’s time to replace your air conditioner. 

Frequency of repairs 

An uptick in the amount of repairs an AC unit requires is likely to be a sure sign that something is wrong with your unit. Again, while this could simply be a sign that a single part, such as a filter, might need a replacement, it is definitely worth calling in a technician to assess your system. 

More likely, continued repairs suggest the entire machine needs replacing. 

It’s leaking or has a bad smell

A machine that is leaking or has a bad smell could also be in need of complete replacement. If it’s leaking water, the leaking could be symptomatic of clogged drains. While these can be cleaned out, if they’ve been left too long, there’s likely to be mildew, mould and, more seriously, structural damage. The bad smell is also a red flag, with the type of odour determining the seriousness of the issue. A chemical smell could be indicative of a refrigerant leak, which can be harmful if inhaled, while a burning smell is likely to be the result of overheating or electrical issues. If your machine smells musty, it’s likely to be mouldy inside. 

The temperature’s off

There are plenty of reasons why the temperature of your air conditioning unit does not function properly and is blowing out warm air instead of cool air. It could mean a fuse has blown or tripped or could be due to another electrical issue. There could also be issues with the thermostat itself or the air conditioner. 

If you feel confident checking for a blown fuse or tripped breaker, assess your machine but only if you are certain you can do it safely. Again, this is an issue for a qualified technician who can diagnose the problem and whether it’s time for an air conditioner unit replacement. 

It’s simply not working

These are just some of the named issues, but sometimes a unit simply stops functioning. Again, this could mean that your unit needs a repair, but it could be symptomatic of a bigger issue. 

How much does it cost to replace air conditioning?

The cost of replacing your air conditioning unit will depend on many factors. First of all, it will depend on the unit that you choose.  The Installation cost is higher for a ducted system compared to a split system air conditioner. 

Other factors that impact your installation quote will be the size of the system, the type of home you have, the ease of installation and how many units or ducts are to be installed. Mouritz has a wide range so we will be able to find something that suits your needs and your budget. 

Should I repair or replace my air conditioning?

Whether you decide to repair your air conditioning or opt for a full air conditioning unit replacement is a decision that only you can make. Obviously, your budget will play a decisive role in what you decide. But you should also take into account the age of the unit – if the unit is 15 years or over, it may be on borrowed time – as well as the cost and frequency of repairs. It might be that replacement, which initially looks to be the more expensive option, ends up saving you money in the long run. 

How Mouritz can help

If you’re looking for local technicians with expertise you can trust, Mouritz can help. We provide a range of air conditioning services, supplying, fitting and servicing a wide variety of heating and cooling equipment for the domestic and commercial market. 

Our technician team are experts at HVAC installation, and we pride ourselves on the quality of our work. We have a wide range of quality air conditioning products. Our team members are standing by to discuss your needs in greater detail, and they will be happy to answer any further questions that you may have.