Here are some key signs to help determine whether you need a regular AC repair or it’s time to replace your AC unit. Pay attention to these indicators that your AC system may be reaching the end of its lifespan.
When is it time to replace?
Certain telltale signs indicate it’s time to consider replacing heating and cooling equipment, or improving the performance of your overall system. It may be time to call a professional contractor to help you make a change if:
Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old. Learn more
Consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.
Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.
Consider replacing with an ENERGY STAR qualified furnace, which is 15% more efficient than a conventional furnace. If you have a boiler, consider replacing with an ENERGY STAR qualified boiler that is 5% more efficient than a new, standard model.
Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.
Your cooling or heating equipment may have become less efficient.Schedule FREE ESTIMATE
Some rooms in your home are too hot or too cold.
Improper equipment operation, duct problems or inadequate insulation could be the cause.
No one is home for long periods of the day and you do not have a programmable thermostat.
Install a programmable thermostat or have a good contractor install one and instruct you on its use — to start saving energy and money while they’re away or sleeping.
Your home has humidity problems. Poor equipment operation, inadequate equipment, and leaky ductwork can cause the air to be too dry in the winter or too humid in the summer.
Your home has excessive dust. Leaky ducts can pull particles and air from attics, crawl spaces and basements and distribute them throughout your house. Sealing your ducts may be a solution.
Your heating or cooling system is noisy. You could have an undersized duct system or a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.
Your score on the Home Energy Yardstick is below five. That means your energy use at home is above average and you’re probably paying more than you need to on energy bills. Learn more
When to Retire Your Air Conditioner
If your air conditioner needs more work than it’s worth, it could be time for a new one. Here are four signs your air conditioning needs to be replaced:
It can’t cool a room. Have you noticed your AC blowing warm air, providing uneven cooling, or not blowing air at all? These signs alone don’t require replacement; the system may simply need repair. But your AC not cooling properly could be a sign that it’s time to replace the unit, especially if you’ve addressed these issues before.
Home energy costs spike. As the air conditioner wears down and loses efficiency, your rooms may feel cool, but your electricity bills could be growing fast. Check your bills for unexpectedly high cooling costs.
You notice strange sounds or smells. Most air conditioners should run discretely, quietly blowing clean, odorless air. If your air conditioner starts chattering, grinding, or smelling like something’s burning, the system needs repair or replacement. A professional can inspect your unit and recommend the right next step.
The unit needs frequent repairs. While air conditioners need regular life span extending maintenance, it may be time for a new one if you’re constantly repairing your AC unit due to damage or age.
How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
The average lifespan of an AC unit is typically 10 to 15 years, but with regular maintenance, it can endure beyond that. As the unit approaches the end of its lifespan, it often requires more frequent repairs which can become costly over time. Eventually, replacing the entire AC unit becomes a more financially viable option compared to continuing repairs.
How Long Do AC Units Last in Las Vegas?
Consider the conditions and usage when determining the lifespan of your AC unit. Factors such as the climate in places like Las Vegas and the frequency of use can influence its longevity. To determine the appropriate time for replacement, carefully evaluate these aspects.
Frequency of use. Regularly running your air conditioner will wear it down more quickly than occasional use. Las Vegas averages highs in the 70s from March to November, requiring much more frequent AC use than in more temperate climates.
System maintenance. Regularly maintaining your system prevents it from straining with dirt buildup and avoids damage from overlooked issues. If regularly scheduled air conditioner maintenance isn’t on your to-do list, you could need replacement sooner than your unit’s usual lifespan.
Climate effects. Hot and humid climates wear on air conditioners the most. Vegas may be hot, but thankfully it’s not usually muggy. Still, summer temperatures can soar well above 100°F, putting extra strain on your system as it cools the air down to a more comfortable temperature.
Frequency of repairs. Older units need repairs more often. If your air conditioner has ever taken major damage or needed significant repairs, it may need to be replaced sooner than average.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace an Air Conditioner in Las Vegas?
AC unit replacement costs depend on the type, size, brand, and model, as well as the level of energy efficiency. Air exchange heat pumps can be more expensive than central air (but now come with significant federal incentives), while window units cost less. Our professionals will walk you through different AC options based on your budget; in some cases, financing is an option. Schedule FREE ESTIMATE
How Long Does It Take to Replace an AC Unit in Las Vegas?
Plan for 4 to 8 hours for the installers to complete the installation. The exact time it will take to replace the system depends on the size, weather, and any factors complicating the installation, like damaged air vents.
Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Air Conditioner Replacement?
Not normally. However, some policies cover air conditioner damage from severe weather events A home warranty that covers your air conditioner should help cover the costs of replacing a worn-out system.
Professional AC Repair and Installation in Las Vegas
Keeping cool on a scorching Nevada day is a necessity. But if your air conditioner is acting up and won’t cool the room, or you get an absurdly high energy bill, something’s got to change.
Installing New Units
Transitioning to a new refrigerant requires the redesign of heat pump and air-conditioning systems. New systems incorporate compressors and other components designed for use with specific refrigerants. Consumers should be aware that system dealers should be trained in installation and service techniques required for use of specific substitute refrigerants.Schedule FREE ESTIMATE
Purchasing New Systems
Today’s air conditioners are not only increasingly ozone-friendly, but also energy efficient. ENERGY STAR® products can help save homeowners money on their heating and cooling bills every year.
If your air conditioner is installed correctly, or if major installation problems are found and fixed, it should perform efficiently for years with only minor routine maintenance. However, many air conditioners are not installed correctly. As an unfortunate result, modern energy-efficient air conditioners can perform almost as poorly as older inefficient models.Schedule FREE ESTIMATE
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When installing a new central air conditioning system, be sure that your contractor:
Allows adequate indoor space for the installation, maintenance, and repair of the new system
Uses a duct-sizing methodology such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual D
Ensures there are enough supply registers to deliver cool air and enough return air registers to carry warm house air back to the air conditioner
Installs duct work within the conditioned space, not in the attic, wherever possible
Seals all ducts with duct mastic and heavily insulates ducts
Locates the condensing unit where its noise will not keep you or your neighbors awake at night, if possible
Locates the condensing unit where no nearby objects will block airflow to it
Verifies that the newly installed air conditioner has the exact refrigerant charge and airflow rate specified by the manufacturer
Locates the thermostat away from heat sources, such as windows or supply registers.
Choosing or Upgrading Your Central Air Conditioner
Central air conditioners are more efficient than room air conditioners. In addition, they are out of the way, quiet, and convenient to operate. To save energy and money, you should try to buy an energy-efficient air conditioner and reduce your central air conditioner’s energy use. In an average size home, air conditioning consumes more than 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, causing power plants to emit about 3,500 pounds of carbon dioxide and 31 pounds of sulfur dioxide.Schedule FREE ESTIMATE
If you are considering adding central air conditioning to your home, the deciding factor may be the need for ductwork.
The most efficient air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid 1970s. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.
Proper sizing and installation are key elements in determining air conditioner efficiency. Too large a unit will not adequately remove humidity. Too small a unit will not be able to attain a comfortable temperature on the hottest days. Improper unit location, lack of insulation, and improper duct installation can greatly diminish efficiency.Schedule FREE ESTIMATE
When buying an air conditioner, look for a model with a high efficiency. Central air conditioners are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). SEER indicates the relative amount of energy needed to provide a specific cooling output. Many newer systems have SEER ratings as high as 26.
If your air conditioner is old, consider buying an energy-efficient model. Look for the ENERGY STAR® and EnergyGuide labels — qualified central units are about 15% more efficient than standard models. New residential central air conditioner standards went into effect on January 1, 2015; see the efficiency standards for central air conditioners for details, and consider purchasing a system with a higher SEER than the minimum for greater savings.Schedule FREE ESTIMATE
The standards do not require you to change your existing central air conditioning units, and replacement parts and services should still be available for your home’s systems. The “lifespan” of a central air conditioner is about 15 to 20 years. Manufacturers typically continue to support existing equipment by making replacement parts available and honoring maintenance contracts after the new standard goes into effect.Schedule FREE ESTIMATE
Other features to look for when buying an air conditioner include:
A variable speed air conditioning system
A unit that operates quietly
A filter check light to remind you to check the filter after a predetermined number of operating hours
An automatic-delay fan switch to turn off the fan a few minutes after the compressor turns off.
At Eco friendly air Air Conditioning & Heating Repair of Las Vegas, our certified technicians prioritize your time. We provide 24/7 emergency service and operate on Saturdays and Sundays, to ensure you have access to service when you need it most. Call 702-516-9999 or book online for skilled AC replacement.
