As any homeowner who has lived in the same house for 10 years or more can tell you, just about anything and everything mechanical in nature will eventually break down, requiring either repair or replacement. This includes the dishwasher, the refrigerator, the water heater, the washer and dryer, you name it. It also includes your air conditioner, and many homeowners find themselves facing the need for air conditioner repair or even air conditioner replacement as the summer heat sets in.

Fundamentally, every appliance or mechanical device has an expected lifespan. Those that have been properly serviced and maintained typically last longer, but sooner or later, entropy comes for us all, even the most well-cared-for appliance. In the case of air conditioners, or any other mechanical component of your home’s HVAC system, biannual maintenance is the key to getting the most out of your unit. But if you’re looking at the possibility of air conditioner replacement or repair, we’ve tackled a few of the questions you might have—and facts you may need to know—in this helpful roundup.

How long will my air conditioner last before I have to replace it? This is an excellent question! As we mentioned, all appliances have an expected lifespan that varies from one device to another. According to the National Association of Home Builders, even the best maintained air conditioner will usually begin to experience problems after 15 years or so. Keep in mind, that’s an average across all the different types of air conditioners on the market. Even if you’ve only had your air conditioner for seven or eight years, you still might want to start thinking about getting a new one if the bills for frequent air conditioner repair are starting to pile up.

What are the signs that you might need to repair or replace your air conditioner? Some are obvious: Your home simply isn’t getting as cool as you might expect, or your air conditioner seems to be running constantly. Others may be less intuitive. Here are 12 of the most common signs that you’ll need some air conditioner service—if not outright replacement. If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s time to call an Olathe heating and cooling professional to have your air conditioner inspected.

• Your air conditioner is at least 15 years old.
• It’s too warm or humid in the house for your family’s comfort, even when the air conditioner is running constantly.
• You’ve seen a recent increase in your energy bills.
• You detect moldy odors, or something smells like it’s burning.
• The air conditioner produces strange noises or vibrations.
• Your air conditioner has frequent breakdowns and needs costly repairs.
• Nothing but warm air blows out of the unit, no matter how you set your thermostat.
• Dust is suddenly accumulating all over the house.
• Cooling is uneven from room to room.
• You’re experiencing problems with your thermostat.
• You’ve noticed leaks of refrigerant or water from your A/C unit.
• The air conditioner doesn’t switch off or won’t turn on.

Keep in mind that a lot has changed when it comes to home air conditioning in the last few years in terms of technology as well as government regulations and environmental best practices. If you have an older unit that may not be as efficient or as environmentally friendly, it might be worth investing in a replacement sooner rather than later. Replacing it now, instead of getting yet another air conditioner repair, might save you money in the long run.

A note on R-22 refrigerant. Speaking of environmental regulations, we wanted to make a special mention of R-22, a type of refrigerant that has been around for decades. What is refrigerant? It’s a chemical in your air conditioner that absorbs heat, cooling the air and allowing your air conditioner to cool your home. R-22 is a type of Freon, a refrigerant that was popular in older air conditioners. Due to its harmful effect on the environment, however, the Environmental Protection Agency banned R-22 in 2020. The bad news is, if you have an air conditioner that uses this older type of Freon, you’ll probably need to replace it sooner rather than later. The good news is, newer replacements are cheaper, more efficient, and less harmful to the environment.

Make the most of your air conditioner repair or replacement. When the time comes to replace or repair your air conditioner, try to look at it as an opportunity rather than a burden. Your new (or newly repaired) air conditioner will work better, keep your home cooler, and probably save you money on your utility bills every month. That’s reason to celebrate! While you’re at it, consider investing in a smart or programmable thermostat at the same time. It will help to maximize your energy savings, improve temperature control, and make the whole system operate more efficiently.

When it comes to deciding whether to repair an air conditioner or replace it with a newer model, you have a lot of factors to consider. Fortunately, at Davenport Service Company, we’re here to help you make the right decision for your home, your family, and your budget. If the repair is simple, we can get your air conditioner working again in no time. We can even help you set up biannual air conditioner service that will help things run smoothly all year round. If it’s time to replace that unit, though, we can also help you select, install, and optimize the right air conditioner for your home.

Whether you need air conditioner repair, replacement, or service, Davenport Service Company is here to help. With more than thirty years of experience serving customers in Olathe, we know all about the needs, the challenges, and the realities of air conditioner service, replacement, and repair in Olathe. If your air conditioner is on the blink—or you just think it’s time to upgrade to a newer model—call Davenport Service Company at 913-441-2222 today!