Is 2024 the Year for a Brand New AC?

If your air conditioner is getting up in age, you may already be thinking about investing in a replacement in the near future. The question is, is 2024 the year for an AC replacement, or can you get another season of life out of your existing unit? You can give our team a call for an in-home assessment so our team can help you decide if AC installation in Memphis, TN, is right for your home this year. 

You can keep reading to learn more about some of the signs that can point toward the need for an AC upgrade. When we visit your home, we can talk to your family about your wants and expectations when it comes to an air conditioner. If now is not the right time for an upgrade, we can help you plan ahead so that you are prepared when the time comes. In the meantime, staying aware of early signs your AC may need maintenance can help you avoid a surprise breakdown.

5 Signs You Should Replace Your AC in 2024

Air conditioner problems can be simple enough to solve by investing in repairs or complicated enough to require a complete system overhaul. The age of your current air conditioner is one of the most important factors to consider when you decide between repairs or a complete system replacement. The standard life of an air conditioner is somewhere between 10 and 15 years. 

As your air conditioner gets closer and closer to that 15-year mark, it is increasingly likely that you will have to invest in a replacement instead of making repairs. Some of the signs of serious AC repair needs include: 

• Loud noises
• Lack of cooling or airflow
• Bad odors
• Cooling cycles that are inconsistent—either very long or very short
• A total system breakdown

Should You Repair or Replace Your AC This Year?

Noticing any one of the problems listed above can indicate the need to make a repair to your air conditioner. But if you notice more of those problems, it is more likely that your air conditioner needs to be replaced. For instance, persistent loud noises may suggest deeper mechanical issues that can’t be resolved with a simple repair.

You also want to consider the cost of any repairs that you might have to make to keep your current unit operating. When you receive a repair estimate that is into the thousands of dollars, you should also ask for a quote on how much a brand new unit would cost. 

If the cost of repairs is at least 50% of the price of a total upgrade, it’s a better idea to invest that money in a brand-new air conditioner. This is especially true once your air conditioner is past the 10-year mark and the manufacturer’s warranty is no longer active.

How to Budget for an AC Upgrade in the Near Future

If you’re not financially prepared to invest in a brand new air conditioner right now, our team may be able to help you by making some tweaks to your existing system to keep it running for the rest of the season. This can give you the opportunity to plan ahead and save some money toward an upgrade later this year or early next year. We may even recommend interim solutions like minor compressor repairs if your system is still within reasonable performance limits.

Since 1943, it’s been Automatic in Memphis! Contact the experts at Automatic Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing to get started on your next AC replacement and installation.