If your air conditioner unit is aging and starting to show signs of wear, replacing it may be the best option. New advances in speed, thermostat, and energy efficiency can make newer air conditioning units more cost-effective and convenient to use. According to the Department of Energy, the average lifespan of an air conditioner system in the United States is 15 to 20 years. However, in Florida, the life expectancy of the system can be much lower due to high levels of humidity, salt water and sulfur.
These factors result in an average life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years. Switching from a 15-year-old 12 SEER unit to a 16 SEER2 unit could potentially save you 40% on cooling costs per year*. As an air conditioner ages, its operating efficiency decreases (or due to poor maintenance). So, after fifteen years, your 12 SEER air conditioner could be operating close to a 10 SEER level.
This means that you could save up to 68% a year in cooling costs if you were to switch to a 16-unit SEER2* system. Upgrading to a system with an even higher SEER2 rating will increase your potential savings even more. Although replacing your air conditioner is an option, it's not the only one. You might want to consider a heat pump if your current heating system is still in good condition.
There are many types of air conditioners available on the market today, so it's important to consider what might work best for your new decor. Many homebuyers focus solely on the size of the air conditioner when buying a new unit. If you're ready to consider replacing your air conditioner, the next step is to determine what you should look for in an air conditioner. Unlike ovens, air conditioners are often outdoors and exposed to extreme temperatures all year round, shortening their lifespan.
If your energy consumption habits are still the same but your monthly bill has increased significantly, it may be time to buy a new air conditioner. There are many great air conditioners available on the market today, but there are also some that aren't so great. For homeowners with older air conditioners, the decision is usually between repairing the unit or replacing it completely. Modern air conditioners can last 15 to 20 years and older units last 10 to 12 years. However, if your air conditioner is more than ten years old and the estimated repair bill is close to 50% of its value, replacing it starts to make more sense.
In an ideal world, your air conditioner should last its entire lifespan without causing you any problems.
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