Typical Phoenix temperatures in early June hover in the nineties. As July approaches and triple digit heat descends on the Valley, you have to ask yourself one important question – is your air conditioner going to make it through the hottest months of the year? In 2018, there were over 128 days with temperatures above 100 degrees. This July, August and September will push your air conditioner to its very limits. If you had AC issues last summer or if you’re air conditioner is making funny noises, not cooling properly or just plain making you nervous, here are three questions to ask in considering if now is the right time to replace rather than repair. It’s important to remember, replacing your air conditioner during the hottest part of the summer is an option you want to avoid if at all possible.
How Old Is Your Current Air Conditioner?
Manufactured to last a long time, in most parts of the U.S., air conditioners can last 10 to 15 years. However, in Phoenix, the hottest city in America, air conditioners have a shorter life span and generally provide reliable service up to 8 years. Not unlike an automobile with high mileage, desert air conditioners log heavy usage year in and year out. Dust storms and monsoons can take their toll and rooftop air conditioning units operate in intense sunlight with punishing UV rays and temperatures exceeding 140 degrees. To determine the age of your air conditioner, check your original AC invoice or warranty papers to determine if you have them. If you purchased your home more recently and have no idea how old your AC unit is, our service techs can usually figure it out based on the general condition of the air conditioner and reviewing the manufacturer’s model number and information.
How Much Have You Spent on Repairs in the Last Two Years?
As air conditioners get older, more and more repairs are required to keep the unit running in top form. Major repairs, such as replacing the condenser, can be very expensive. If your AC unit is over eight years old and you’ve started to notice major repairs over the last two years, it may be time to replace. One typical guideline is if repairs are going to exceed one third of the cost of a new unit within a two-year period and your air conditioner is over 8 years old, you are probably better off replacing rather than continuously repairing your unit.
How Much Is Peace of Mind Worth?
We understand that replacing an air conditioning unit represents a significant expenditure for homeowners. We don’t take this decision lightly. We pride ourselves on providing excellent service which ensures air conditioning units will last as long as they possibly can. However, when an air conditioner is approaching the end of its useful life, we generally advise, getting the new unit installed before the very hottest part of summer. We replace air conditioners all throughout the year and we are happy to do so. It’s simply more comfortable for homeowners to have trouble free AC without interruption through the months of July, August and September. Over the years, we’ve had many situations where customers tried to squeeze another year of service out of their AC unit and it unfortunately died at the very worst time imaginable.
Is It Time to Replace Your AC Unit?
If your air conditioner is faltering, why not schedule a service call to determine what’s best for the hot summer ahead? Our professional and friendly service technicians have years of experience and will provide you with the information you need to decide if your AC unit is all set for the summer of 2019.
