When an issue arises with your air conditioning system, knowing what to expect next can be difficult for homeowners. Whether you’re seasoned in the ins and outs of air conditioning equipment or a homeowner scratching your head a the rising cost of your energy bill, the same questions tend to pop into your mind: “Is it time to purchase a new system?” “Can I scrape by just fixing something small, or would I be putting a band-aid on a wound needing stitches?” Whatever your circumstances may be, we have a few rules of thumb to help guide you toward making the best informed decision.
How long should my air conditioner last?
Generally speaking, your system’s efficiency and the integrity of the parts inside it will slowly deteriorate over time. This is completely normal for equipment that is used daily. Like your car, wear and tear over time are inevitable. Every electronic device will someday give out, and the parts inside your air conditioner are no exception. While the average lifespan of an air conditioning system ranges from 10 to 25 years, your usage is one of the main factors determining how much use you can get out of your setup.
Extend the life of your air conditioner
- Change your filters regularly: A dirty filter restricts airflow, causing your system to work harder to cool the air in your space. We recommend checking and changing your filter every 1-3 months to maintain a healthy amount of airflow into your system.
- Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean: Removing any debris like built-up leaves, vines, or snow from the outside component of your system will improve airflow and help to prevent overheating.
- Don't Block Air Vents or Registers: While it may be tempting to close off air vents to certain rooms or cover registers with a rug or furniture, we encourage you to refrain. These types of blockages to your system can cause your system to work harder, causing an increase in energy consumption and ultimately affecting the lifespan of your system.
How do I know if I should buy replacement parts or a new system?
While some indicators may be easier to spot than others, it can be hard to determine which path forward is the right solution for your setup. Knowing the difference between regular maintenance needs and a complete AC overhaul can usually be determined by following some industry rules of thumb. After three years of consistently having to replace at least one part with each revolution around the sun, you should probably start looking to get a better and more reliable system in your home. But for situations where regular maintenance is not the norm, the rule of 5000 is the easiest way to know if it’s time to pull the trigger on a full system upgrade.
What is the most expensive part of your AC Unit?
Typically, the most expensive part to replace on your air conditioner would be the compressor. Think of the compressor like the heart of your air conditioner. It is responsible for pressurizing refrigerant and circulating it through the system. To replace this part, you will need the help of a licensed technician to properly handle the refrigerant as well as the electrical and mechanical components. In many cases, replacing a compressor, especially with labor costs, will likely be more than buying an entirely new system.
What is the Rule of 5000?
The industry standard suggestion for when it’s time to swap from buying replacement parts and paying maintenance fees on your current system to opting for a brand new HVAC system is called the rule of 5000. The equation for this is wonderfully straightforward: take the cost of your repairs and multiply that number by the age of your existing system in years. Let’s use this MrCool Electronic Control Box and do some easy math to show this rule in action.
Rounding up slightly for the actual cost of this replacement part, we’ll use a cost of $275 for the control box, while assuming shipping is free and your local installer charges $100/hour for their services. We will treat this repair as a straightforward task that doesn’t require any additional parts or troubleshooting, and we’ll quote this maintenance task for one hour of service.
Totaling your repair costs, we’re looking at $375 in this example. Now, we’ll take that cost and multiply it by the age of your system. If you’ve only had your system for 5 years, we’re looking at a total of $1875. As this number is well below $5000, it means the system you have is still cost-effective, and replacing the broken part is the best solution to keep providing your home with effective climate control. But as the system gets older, this number grows quickly. If your system is 15 years old, we’re now looking at a total of $5625, putting you in the territory of a better fix being a new system altogether.
IWAE Can Help You Find the Parts You Need
Looking for replacement parts online can be a headache, but when you order through IWAE, it doesn't have to be. From compressors, motors, hardware, and piping, we have a wide assortment of parts and components that can easily be searched by brand. If you're uncertain of your exact needs, contact one of our parts specialists to match your system with our catalog of universal replacement parts and we will get your air conditioner back up and running in no time.
