How much time do I really have to replace my AC System?

air conditioning replacement

Find out how long you have to ensure a new AC fits your budget

At the end of the day, this is a decision you make based on your preferences, immediate needs and purchase ability.  If health and safety are an immediate concern you might consider purchasing one or more window air conditioning units to buy some time until you get your central AC replaced.  We discuss the long-term disadvantages with these units  such as energy costs and noise, in other articles throughout the site.  It is best if you have a few weeks to investigate the right equipment for your situation and find a good HVAC contractor who can install it for you.  Because the average person will only have to replace an entire system once or twice in their lifetime they aren’t always as knowledgeable about what to expect in terms of cost and maintenance.  Systems today can cost $3,000 to more than $10,000, so taking the time to make the right decision should pay off in the long run.

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9 thoughts on “How much time do I really have to replace my AC System?

  1. I bought a 58 year old home three years ago, the heating and air work great. I recently had to change home owners insurance and the new company has cancelled my insurance because they say it is 25 years old. It works great though. Do i get a new CA system or a new insurance company?

    • Shelley, thanks for your question. HVAC systems typically have a life of around 15 years on average. There are also times when a unit runs much longer with very little issues as you are experiencing. I have a couple things you can think about to help you make an informed decision about replacing your AC unit or finding a new insurance company.
      1. The 25 year old equipment is most likely operating at a lower efficiency level than a new higher efficient unit. You are most likely spending more money to operate the system than a new system.
      2. The 25 year old equipment is most likely using R22 refrigerant which will no longer be produced at the end of 2019. Remaining stock can still be sold and used, but the price is expected to rise leading to higher repair bills.
      3. There may be some utility incentives in your area to upgrade to a high efficient unit, a reputable contractor should be able to provide insight on any rebates.
      4. A system or component failure may be as expensive or close to the same price as a new unit. Some R22 components are going to be harder and more expensive to purchase due to the phase out of equipment in 2010 and the refrigerant at the end of 2019.
      I can’t make the decision for you, but I hope some of the above statements will help you make the right decision.

  2. Hello, I am a 71 year old widow, I live alone and I am left with the big and small problems of owning a home-I replaced my central air (I live in a double wide mobile home) in 2012 with a Goodman 3ton unit-I have had some problems with it(A small leak) as I was told–they said it is the coil-and would cost me at least 1,000.00 to replace it–I have spend close to 400.00 in the last few months on stop leak-and freon-is there a way to replace the coil with a refurbished one? I really can’t afford to replace it again-and they said the coil might be as much or close to a new unit..Please help me if possible.. Sincerely, Marilyn Schulz

  3. Thank u so much for this very informative article. I’ve learned a lot and I’m now prepared and know what to do and expect. We need to upgrade to a larger unit. When we purchased this house the 93 yr old woman who owned it was happy with the small unit, my husband and I are not happy with an AC unit that cools to only as low as 74 degrees. That’s not near cool enough. We need a larger unit. But we are replacing a smaller unit, not installing. So I assume it’s not going to cost an outrageous amount.

  4. Hi Jolene – unless you get the exact same unit most of those parts will not be useful to you. If you go with a new unit it might be better to ask for a refund on the parts used earlier if the contractor can re-use them on different jobs in the future.

  5. I have a unit that is 6 yrs. old. It makes horrible noise whenever running, and quits on me frequently. I just bought the house, and I think that i was sold a “load of goods.” I’ve just recently spent $850.00 for a new coil in the unit, as well as new sheet metal. Now, its stopped again, and apparently I need a new blower and “shank” which will cost me another $450. That’s half the cost of a new unit, and won’t I have to replace it in a few years anyway, after replacing all these parts? Maybe I’d be better off to buy something that I can use the parts I’ve just purchased as a bone pile in case the new one breaks down? Jolene.

  6. I used the web site for a thermostat replacement, when your model is still available to replace my t-stat. quite disappointing when it searches CANADA only for a local distributor! I am in Laguna Hills, Ca 92653! local distributor is?

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