Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

As the summer heats up in Knoxville, TN, homeowners and families increasingly turn to their air conditioning systems for the cooling comfort they need to survive the scorching weather.

While the answer to staying cool through the brutal summer heat might be as obvious as switching on your air conditioner or turning down your thermostat, the decision between AC repair and replacement is less clear.

By taking the time to understand when AC repair is appropriate and when it’s time for a new AC, you can avoid unnecessary disruptions to your indoor comfort and prepare accordingly.

In this blog post, the HVAC experts at Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling explain when you should consider repairing your air conditioner versus replacement, so you can make the most informed decision for your home’s comfort and your budget this season.

Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair

In many cases, a simple repair is all an air conditioner needs to regain total functionality. Especially if your system is less than 10 years old and hasn’t had any major malfunctions, AC repair can be an effective solution to restore comfort to your home.

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs AC repair may be needed to prevent a minor problem from escalating to premature replacement. These are just a few of the signs it’s time to schedule air conditioning repair:

• Insufficient cooling: If your AC is running but not cooling your home enough, there may be a problem. Weakened or diminished airflow and inconsistent temperatures can also suggest repairs are needed. Reduced cooling capacity could be due to issues like low refrigerant levels, a malfunctioning compressor, or a blocked or dirty condenser coil.
• Strange noises: Unusual sounds such as grinding, squealing, or banging from your AC clearly indicate something is wrong. These noises can signal problems like a loose belt, a failing motor, or debris caught in the unit.
• Foul odors: Unpleasant smells coming from your AC can mean mold or mildew growth in the unit or ductwork, which can pose health risks. If you notice a burning smell, it might suggest burned-out wire insulation, which needs immediate attention.
• Frequent cycling: If your AC constantly turns on and off, also known as short-cycling, it could be a sign of a malfunction. Frequent cycling can be caused by various issues, including an oversized unit, a malfunctioning or unresponsive thermostat, or other electrical problems.
• High humidity: One of the functions of your AC is to help remove humidity from the air. This is accomplished as refrigerant flows through the evaporator coils, making the temperature of the coils drop below the dew point. If your home feels more humid than usual, even when the AC is running, it may be a sign that your AC isn’t functioning correctly. This could be due to an issue with the evaporator coil or other components.
• Leaking refrigerant: If your AC is consistently leaking refrigerant, which is different than the normal condensation produced by fully functioning units, you may have a problem. Leaking refrigerant can often be detected by frozen evaporator coils or ice crystals forming during hot weather.

How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

Most modern air conditioners and HVAC systems are designed to last 15 to 20 years with proper system maintenance, whereas older ACs last around 10 to 12 years. Factors such as installation quality, regular tune-ups and system maintenance, system manufacturer, and type of cooling system may impact your unit’s longevity.

Here’s how long you can expect each type of cooling system to last with an annual maintenance visit:

• Central AC systems: 15- to 20-year lifespan
• Heat pumps: 10- to 20-year lifespan, 15 years on average*
• Ductless mini-splits: 10- to 20-year lifespan

* It’s important to note that since heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, these systems should receive maintenance twice a year to reach the indicated lifespan.

When To Replace vs. Repair an Air Conditioner

Along with the age of your AC, it’s important to watch out for additional signs that may indicate it’s time to consider replacing your unit. Signs of needed AC replacement typically include:

• Frequent and costly repairs: If you’re constantly calling for repairs and the costs are adding up, it might be more economical in the long run to replace your air conditioner. Frequent breakdowns could mean your system is unreliable and may not last much longer.
• Declining efficiency: A noticeable increase in your energy bills without a change in usage patterns can mean your air conditioner is losing efficiency. Older units or those with failing components work harder to cool your home, consuming more energy.
• Uneven cooling: If some rooms are significantly cooler or warmer than others, it could be a sign that your AC can no longer distribute air evenly. This could be due to issues like failing or improperly sized ductwork, an undersized unit, or a failing compressor.
• Air quality: A decline in indoor air quality, such as increased dust, humidity, or unpleasant odors, can mean your air conditioner is malfunctioning. This can indicate issues like a failing filter system, mold growth in the unit, or inadequate ventilation.
• Excessive noise: If your AC makes odd or excessively loud noises, it could indicate serious internal problems. Grinding, rattling, or banging sounds can be signs of major mechanical issues that may be more cost-effective to address with a new AC rather than repairs.

Tips for Prolonging Your Air Conditioner’s Lifespan

Regular maintenance is the key to prolonging your air conditioner’s lifespan. Simple DIY maintenance tasks like changing your air filters every one to three months can ensure optimal airflow and efficiency, minimizing the strain on your system to extend its longevity.

Maintain a consistent thermostat setting and consider using a programmable thermostat to keep your system from working harder than necessary.

While DIY maintenance is helpful, it’s not a substitute for professional maintenance. Annual professional tune-ups are critical to inspecting and cleaning essential components like the coils, fins, and drains, keeping your system in good working condition for the long term.

At Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we provide professional annual system checks for your HVAC systems to help identify and address minor issues before they become expensive repairs or replacements.

We also offer a Peace of Mind maintenance plan to help protect your home with regular maintenance inspections on your HVAC and plumbing systems. For as little as $20.25 a month, or $243 annually, you can protect your home from unexpected and untimely HVAC and plumbing breakdowns or emergencies.

With our Peace of Mind membership, you can enjoy many benefits, including:

• Biannual HVAC system checks – hot weather and cold weather
• Annual water heater and plumbing system check
• Top-of-list priority for appointment bookings
• 10% discount on all repairs – no maximum limit
• 100% satisfaction guaranteed
• Same-day service guaranteed, or the visit is free

Peace of Mind membership also provides the best value, including:

• Annual membership is $243, but total services are valued at over $1,500 separately.
• Prevent costly repairs or replacements with regular system checks
• Save time and money and get peace of mind knowing your home is protected from home service emergencies all year

The Benefits of a New Air Conditioner System

When it doesn’t make sense to invest money for multiple repairs to your aging AC, installing a new system offers several benefits for your home or business. With a new HVAC system, you’ll enjoy several benefits, including:

• Consistent cooling and temperature for every room
• Improved and enhanced performance
• Lower energy bills and cost savings through increased energy efficiency
• Reduced need for maintenance and repairs
• Improved humidity control
• Indoor air quality improvement
• Lower carbon emissions and a smaller carbon footprint
• Less noisy operation
• Increased home value

Schedule AC Repair or Replacement With Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Whether you’re dealing with a sudden system failure emergency or a total AC breakdown that requires immediate replacement, Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is here to help. With our guarantee of same-day service or the visit is free, you can count on us to deliver the fast, effective AC repair or replacement you need when it matters most.

Pipe Wrench has been voted one of “Knoxville’s Best HVAC Companies” seven years in a row. We have served over 30,000 customers who trust our knowledgeable team to provide expert home service solutions.

For over 20 years, our locally owned and operated company has used the finest products and materials, and you can count on our certified technicians to provide timely, quality, and affordable HVAC services to address any HVAC need.

With every visit, we offer:

• Free on-site estimates for replacement
• Free second opinions on repairs and replacements
• 0% financing on major HVAC brands you know and trust
• Ten-year warranty on parts and labor, so you won’t spend an extra cent on unexpected repairs

If you need to schedule air conditioning repair or replacement in Knoxville, TN, contact the HVAC experts at Pipe Wrench today.