As with anything else in your home, the cooling system has a finite lifespan. In some cases, it may not reach the end of that lifespan before it becomes too much of a burden to keep. Let’s look at a few key clues that indicate it’s time to replace the AC in your house.
1. The System Doesn’t Work Properly
When you turn on the air conditioner, you expect cold air to come out. However, if there is an issue with your existing unit, it may blow warm air or nothing at all. This could be caused by a defective coil, a clog in the condensate line or physical damage to the condenser unit. Issues like condensate line clogs are easy for a pro to fix, but deeper issues might signal a need for replacement.
If you hear strange noises coming from the unit when it’s turned on, it could be a sign of serious damage. For instance, a broken fan, motor or other part may cause a rattling noise to occur. You might also notice that the unit isn’t getting any power, which could indicate any number of issues that can’t be properly addressed unless a professional looks at it.
2. Your Cooling Bills Have Increased
An air conditioning unit that isn’t working properly may cycle longer than it should. This might be because it is covered by dust, pollen or other debris that forces it to work harder than necessary to keep your home cool. It may also be because an older system has parts that are weak or otherwise unable to keep up with the load placed on it. The longer that your air conditioner must cycle, the more energy it will use and the higher your utility bills will be.
3. Your System Doesn’t Meet Modern SEER Rating Rules
Your air conditioner’s SEER rating is a shorthand way of communicating how efficient it is. As of 2025, the minimum legal SEER rating in the United States is 13 or 14, depending on the type of system you have. However, systems that were manufactured in the past two decades might have a SEER rating as low as 10.
Although this doesn’t seem like a big difference, it could represent hundreds of dollars in savings per year.
Most modern AC systems can have SEER ratings up to 22, which may cut your cooling bills in half compared to what they are today. Furthermore, they are often quieter and easier to maintain, which makes new systems even more appealing.
4. Your System Is More Than a Decade Old
When properly maintained, an air conditioner can last for about a decade, and in some cases, it can provide up to 15 years of quality service. Therefore, if your air conditioner is approaching its 10th birthday, you may want to seriously consider replacing it.
Of course, it can be a good idea to consider replacing an air conditioner of any age if it is defective for any reason. For instance, if it’s hit by lightning or struck by a tree, it may sustain serious damage that renders the unit unsafe or unreliable to use. You might also decide that you need a new system that is properly sized to meet your needs.
5. You Want More Control Over Cooling Your Home
New air conditioners typically allow you to engage in zone cooling. This means that you can set one temperature in the bedroom, another in the living room and another in the den downstairs. Having this type of control can be ideal if you have kids, elderly individuals or others who have differing opinions about what it means to be cool.
A new cooling system may also mesh well with a new smart thermostat. Smart thermostats also provide greater control over the temperature in your house and can often be operated by a phone or similar device from wherever you happen to be.
In addition to installing a new AC system, we can also maintain or repair the one currently on your property. This can help to ensure that your home is a safe and cool place to live in all summer long.
If you need a new air conditioner for your Monroe County, PA home, call our cooling services team at R.J. Groner Inc. today for more information.
