Any AC unit older than 15 years can be considered “old” and may require a replacement. This is true in Greensboro, NC, and throughout North Carolina and the entire United States.
How Old is Your AC Unit?
Do you have an air conditioner that’s 15 years old? Most modern air conditioners have lifespans of about 15 to 20 years. If your air conditioner has reached 15 years of age, you might want to look into air conditioner replacement in Greensboro, NC.
Regular maintenance is the key to an air conditioner’s longevity. If you’ve skipped out yearly maintenance, your AC may not last as long as expected.
Age isn’t the only factor affecting your decision to replace your system. If you’re paying more for repairs yearly than you would spend on a new AC, no matter how old it is, it’s generally better to replace it.
Finding the AC Age By Serial Number
One way to determine the age of an AC unit is through the serial number. However, each brand manufacturer uses a different pattern for inserting the date into the unit’s serial number, making it challenging to identify the precise number.
Luckily, this Building Center resource is a great database to decode your unit’s serial number and determine its age based on the brand.
Key Takeaway
Can I Just Replace My Outside AC Unit?
While it’s possible just to replace your outside AC unit, it’s not advisable. That’s because the outside and inside coils need to match. Your air conditioner will not work as efficiently as the mismatched parts will be unable to meet the demands put on it.
New inside and outside units will fit together perfectly so your air conditioner will operate at peak efficiency.
That said, here are some reasons you might be better off just replacing the outside unit:
- The compressor is still under warranty.
- Your budget is tight.
- Your AC doesn’t appear to have other problems.
- The inside unit is new or was recently replaced.
Replacing The Compressor Vs. The Whole Unit
When your air conditioner goes out, it’s often due to a bad compressor. If it breaks down, you might have to choose between replacing the compressor or the whole unit. Your air conditioner’s age will play a determining role in whether you’ll replace the compressor or the entire unit.
If your air conditioner is between 10-15 years old, replacing just the compressor may be a temporary fix. Eventually, the air conditioner will age out, and you’ll need to replace it anyway.
So, the best choice at this point is to install a new system. This way, you’ll save money in the long term.
Does Replacing The AC Unit Increase Home Value?
If you’re selling your home and have an older air conditioner, you might think it’s a good idea to install a new unit.
The value will improve by $2,500-$3,000 or 5-10% if you install a new heating and cooling system. But, because the average cost of a new HVAC system is about $10,000, the return on your investment will not be immediate.
If you plan to sell soon, it probably won’t be worth it to install a new system. But, if you’re not planning to sell for a few years, a new AC could prove valuable when you do sell.
How HVAC Units Save Money on Utility Bills
Air conditioner replacement is often a good choice if you want to save money on energy bills. New units are even more energy efficient now than 5-10 years ago. This means you’ll use less energy to cool or heat your home. You’ll save as much as 20-40% every month.
Over the course of the next 8-10 years, the savings you’ll experience will likely pay back the costs of putting in the new unit.
Of course, the key to these savings is regular maintenance. Regular maintenance will keep your system operating efficiently.
Otherwise, you’ll spend money on repairs or even have to replace the unit sooner than expected.
How Long Does it Take to Replace a Home AC unit?
A new air conditioner replacement can take anywhere between 4 to 8 hours to complete. Times will vary depending on the size of the current system, as well as the weather and accessibility. Two components will be installed–the outside unit or condenser and the interior unit or evaporator coil.
Can I Replace My AC Without Replacing My Furnace?
Yes, it is possible to replace your air conditioner without replacing your furnace. But, before you do, you might want to see if tax rebates are available in your area that reward you for changing out an older AC unit for a newer, more energy-efficient model.
If your area offers these rebates, and you want to take advantage of them, then you’ll need to replace your furnace as well.
Can I Replace my Air Conditioner With a Heat Pump?
If you are considering air conditioner replacement in Greensboro, NC, you might want to look into installing a heat pump instead.
Heat pumps can be a more cost-effective solution to your heating and cooling needs than a central air and heating system. Heat pumps will cool your home as effectively as a regular air conditioner, pulling warm air out of your home to cool your home down.
A significant advantage of installing a heat pump over a complete HVAC system is that you won’t need an air conditioner or furnace to cool or heat your home.
All you’ll need is the heat pump. In the winter, the heat pump can be used to heat your home. That’s because, in the winter, heat pumps draw cold air out of your home to heat it.
Heat pumps, like air conditioners, can be limited in extreme heat. For heat pumps to work at optimal levels, they should be set at temperatures about 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature.
A heat pump’s thermostat set at 80 degrees, for instance, will be the optimal setting for an outside temperature of 100 degrees.
Summary for Identifying Old AC Units
If you’re a resident of Greensboro, NC, and unsure whether your AC unit has passed its prime, consider checking the serial number to identify the manufacturer date. If your unit is 15 years or older, it’s likely “old” and should be replaced within a reasonable period.
While some air conditioners can last up to 20 years or even longer, homeowners take a considerable risk by pushing them to their maximum possible lifespan.
