Nobody wants their air conditioner to quit in the middle of a hot summer day. But after awhile, paying for repair after repair gets old. Knowing when it’s time to stop with the patchwork and start fresh with a new unit can save you money and hassle.
At peak summer, we're often caught questioning if the system is working as hard as it used to, so if you're wondering the same—you’re not alone.
Here are the clear signs to watch for if you're considering a new system:
1. It Needs Constant Repairs
If your A/C unit seems to be breaking down every season—or worse, multiple times during the same summer—it may be time for a new one. This is pretty obvious, but not only do frequent repairs add up, but they’re a sign that bigger system issues may be brewing.
“Homeowners should watch for signs such as frequent repairs... it could be a sign of a leak in the system,” cautions Elizabeth Shavers, General HVAC & Plumbing Manager at Oncourse Home Solutions. You might be spending more money trying to keep a dying system alive than it would cost to replace it outright.
2. Your Energy Bills Keep Climbing
This one is more likely to go unnoticed because increases can climb slowly over time. “Older units are likely to be less efficient, leading to higher operating costs over time,” reminds Shavers.
Higher electric costs will hit your wallet month after month, so pay attention, and make it a habit to review your utility bills for year-over-year changes.
3. Cooling Is Uneven or Inconsistent
If some rooms feel cold while others stay hot, or if the system constantly struggles to maintain the temperature you set, your A/C unit may not be operating properly.
This can be a sign of failing evaporator coils, a worn-out blower motor, or problems with the air handler or ductwork. These issues often signal a system nearing the end of its lifespan.
4. You Hear Strange Noises
An air conditioner should make a low, steady hum... not grinding, squealing, or clunking noises.
Strange noises could mean internal parts are worn out or coming loose, including the fan motor, blower motor, or switching solenoid.
If these sounds don’t go away after maintenance, it’s likely time to replace the unit.
5. It’s Over 10–15 Years Old
Age matters. Shavers pointed out to us that a typical air conditioning system lasts around 10 to 15 years. After that, performance drops, and the cost of keeping it running climbs. "At that point, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than continue repairing it,” she notes.
If your unit is already over a decade old and giving you trouble, weigh the costs. A system replacement may be the smarter move long-term.
6. You See or Smell Trouble
Keep an eye (and nose) out for problems like mold and mildew near vents, water pooling around the outdoor unit or condensate drain, or a musty smell when the system turns on. These can point to clogged drain lines, frozen evaporator coils, or a refrigerant leak—all signs the system is under strain or failing.
Also, if your AC needs more refrigerant, it could mean a leak that's hard (and expensive) to fix.
7. It Still Uses R-22 Freon
If your system was built before 2010, it may still use R-22 refrigerant (also called Freon), which is being phased out to protect the ozone layer. Recharging a system that uses R-22 is getting more expensive every year. Newer systems use more environmentally friendly refrigerants that are easier to find and less costly.
FAQ
Can replacing my A/C unit really lower my energy bills?
Yes, especially if your current unit is over 10 years old. Modern AC systems meet higher ENERGY STAR standards and use updated technologies that cool more efficiently. Lower runtime means lower cooling bills and less wear on the parts.
What if I only have issues during heat waves—is my AC still broken?
Possibly. If your system struggles during extreme heat, it could mean your unit is undersized for your home, or it’s just losing power due to age. Either way, it’s worth having a local expert assess whether the system capacity meets your home’s needs.
