Unfortunately, air conditioners weren’t meant to last forever. Therefore, there comes a time when you just have to get a new unit. However, there are some cases where a repair can solve your specific problem. Not sure when to replace or repair? Keep reading. 

Tell-Tale Signs, You Need to Replace Your Air Conditioner

As we stated above, you don’t always have to buy a new air conditioning unit. Sometimes, a repair is enough. For example, if the repair cost is much less than a new unit or you need to replace a faulty part, you can consider fixing your current unit. 

Another telltale sign that your AC unit probably just needs to be repaired is that it’s relatively new and rarely breaks down. If your relatively new AC unit is experiencing problems, we recommend that you address them as soon as possible. Otherwise, you risk the problem worsening, which can cause even more discomfort and a higher bill. 

Fortunately, we’re experts at air conditioning repair. Our air conditioning contractors offer reliable repair services on all popular makes and models. Your air conditioning unit will be up and running in no time. Not sure what the problem is? That’s okay. We can diagnose and fix various problems without compromising on quality. However, if you’re considering replacing your air conditioning unit, we recommend reading these tell-tale signs to determine whether it’s time to seek air conditioning installation services. 

1. Your Air Conditioner is 10 Years Old or Older 

If your air conditioner could be a fifth grader or even a high schooler, it’s time to shop for new air conditioning units. Your 10-year-old air conditioning unit could efficiently cool your space and give you minimal problems if well maintained. At the same time, the longer you keep your air conditioning unit after a decade, the higher the likelihood that it will cause problems. A central air conditioner has a lifespan of 15-20 years. But even though your older unit is working, they tend to:

• Use more energy

• Break down more

• Have frequent and costly repairs

• Cool your home less efficiently 

So, if you’ve had your air conditioning unit for over a decade, it’s time to consider newer, more efficient models and replace your air conditioner. 

2. Your Air Conditioner Is Not Keeping You Cool

If your air conditioner is not keeping you cool, you want to look into replacing it. We recommend calling one of our technicians to troubleshoot and figure out why your air conditioner is not keeping you cool. It may be something we can repair and you can delay getting a new unit.Here are some reasons your air conditioner is not keeping you cool:

• It’s the wrong size for your space

• It’s an older unit

• Clogged air filter

• Dirty coils

• Insufficient coolant

• Faulty compressor, thermostat or AC remote

• Defective parts

• It’s too hot outside for the capacity of the system

Please contact the trusted air conditioning contractors in Okotoks, G.M. Mechanical, for quick and reliable AC repair and maintenance services. We are happy to provide all the information you need and provide you with a free quotation on a new air conditioning unit.

3. You’re Constantly Repairing Your Air Conditioner

We love doing your air conditioning repairs. However, in some cases, a replacement is either necessary or more reasonable.  The following are some signs that you might require air conditioner repair:

• Warm air 

• Inadequate airflow

• Irregular cycles

• Unusually high energy bill

• Leakages

• Humidity

• Unusual noises

• Bad odours

If you’re spending a ton of money trying to salvage your air conditioning unit or address these issues, it is probably time to replace your air conditioner. A newer model and regularly scheduled maintenance should save you a lot of money on repairs in the long run. It is not normal to ”recharge” a system every year. 

Speaking of regular maintenance, we have a hassle-free maintenance program. We get it; you don’t want one more thing to worry about. That’s why our dedicated team will reach out to you to schedule your maintenance appointments, ensuring your equipment is serviced on time, every time.

4. Your Air Conditioner is Noisy

If you notice that your air conditioner is competing with the volume of your Netflix show, call an HVAC technician. The type of sound your air conditioner makes can give you a clue about what is wrong with it. You may notice clicking, banging, rattling, buzzing or even squealing.

It’s okay if you don’t speak air conditioner, we do! We will come and check it out. Only a repair may be necessary, but depending on the cause of the noise, the age of the unit and other factors, we may recommend replacing your air conditioner. 

5. Your Air Conditioner is Spiking Your Energy Bill

If your energy bill is increasing and putting a strain on your finances, you’re not alone. Fifteen percent of Canadians are either skipping or reducing necessities such as food and medicine due to the cost of energy. Unfortunately, your air conditioner could be part of the reason your energy bill is higher.

Older models are less energy efficient since air conditioners lose efficiency throughout the years. Even though an air conditioning unit can last up to 20 years, by simply upgrading a 10-year-old model to a newer, more efficient one, you could be saving 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs. If you want to save money on your energy bill, consider replacing your air conditioning unit. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Replacing Air Conditioners 

1. Can I replace the AC without replacing the furnace? 

Yes. However, it may be better in some cases to replace both to increase energy efficiency and maintenance costs. 

Consider: 

• The cost of repairing your furnace

• The age of the furnace

• Energy bills

• Uneven heating

If you need furnace repair or replacement, G.M. Mechanical will be right by your side, ensuring your heating and cooling needs are met all year round. 

2. Is it worth it to replace AC units?

It can be! Replacing your AC unit can: 

• Reduce energy bills

• Enhance indoor air quality

• Increase property value

However, you can have a professional examine your unit and determine whether repairing it would be more practical. 

3. How often should I replace my AC Unit?

It depends. You can replace your air conditioner if your needs have increased. If you’re experiencing problems with your air conditioning unit, you can also compare the price of repairing your current unit to that of a new unit. If the repair cost is higher, you may want to look into replacing it. 

Finally, if your air conditioner is 10 or more years old, you may want to replace it as you can save on cooling energy costs by upgrading to a newer, more efficient model. 

4. How do I know what AC unit to buy? 

Before you purchase an air conditioning unit, you need to look at several factors such as:

• Your budget

• The size of the space you need to cool

• Brand

• Features

• Energy efficiency

If this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. Call us at 403-652-1282 to discuss your needs and preferences with our air conditioning experts in Okotoks and High River. We will be happy to help you select the perfect unit!

Need Air Conditioner Installation Services in the Foothills?

If after reading this, you realize that it’s best to replace your air conditioning unit instead of spending money on repairs, it’s time to contact us. Not only do we provide repair services, but we also provide air conditioner installation services in the Foothills, Okotoks and High River. Our air conditioner installation services in the Foothills and surrounding areas are top-notch. Don't just take our word for it - check out what one of our satisfied customers, Belinda, had to say in this lovely review:

“Having my air conditioner system serviced was a bit daunting as I had not had one before in any home I had lived in.

Andrew was so informative, efficient, professional. He talked me through the whole procedure. I definitely felt more comfortable and at ease with having an air conditioner attached to my home. Now it’s all serviced, safe and working efficiently and doing its job....Bring on Summer. 

So today June 2020 Nathan arrived to service my air conditioner. As are all the GM service technicians, he was informative and efficient and I appreciate that he talked me though what he was doing and why.

GM Mechanical are so helpful from Shane on the first phone call to which ever technician arrives.

Roger come to fix my furnace which decided to give up the ghost during Covid. Always prompt service.

I would recommend GM Mechanical every time. Shop Local.”

-Belinda Thomas from Facebook. 

Not sure which unit to get? We can help you with that. Joe recommends the Lennox Merit Series ML14XC1 air conditioner. It is designed for smart energy use and can save you money on your energy bill. However, we’ll definitely check to see if that unit is perfect for your space and needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any air conditioning replacement queries or for air conditioner installation services.