When Is The Right Time To Replace Your Air Conditioning or Heat Pump System In The Charleston Area?

It’s the time of year when air conditioning systems are in the spotlight here in the Lowcountry.

No matter what kind of home you have, a cooling system is a must to fend off the brutal heat & humidity we experience here in the southeast.

With that heat & humidity your HVAC system is pulling quite a bit of extra weight to keep your family cool. 

While most modern HVAC systems are quite robust and built to handle our extreme temperatures, like all mechanical devices they will naturally wear down with that extra load each summer.

That extra wear and tear is not always easy to detect, however.

Especially if you’re a new homeowner or don’t have experience with HVAC systems, understanding the timing of a replacement can represent a very difficult challenge.

Replacing a system too early can mean unnecessary costs as your system likely will have many more years of proper operation.

Replacing a system too late means your system could run into a wall, resulting in a total system breakdown.

So how do you know for sure when the right time for an AC replacement is?

To help you out, here’s a quick rundown of items you can take note of that can give you clues that a replacement project should get on your schedule sooner rather than later.

When It’s Getting Up In Years

All HVAC systems have a lifespan – one way or another. 

If you happen to have a record on when your system was last replaced, it might be good to keep an eye on it if that number gets into the double digits (10+ years).

When You’re Going Through Frequent Repairs

System repairs are not uncommon, even with systems that aren’t that old so if you have an occasional repair project, you’re likely in good shape. 

However if your system is needing frequent repairs (and perhaps larger repairs over time), it could be time that you need to get in touch with a local HVAC company.

Eventually those repair projects are going to add up, cost-wise, to where you likely could have replaced the system with what you put into those repair projects.

When It’s Struggling To Keep Up With Rising Temperatures

While there could be other reasons your system isn’t keeping up with rising temperatures, one of those is that your system could be incorrectly sized for your home.

This is likely something you’ll realize when you first move into a home or have a recent replacement in place, but if your system isn’t sized correctly it’s going to either run too often or turn off too quickly (something known as short-cycling).

A long term solution to this is to evaluate a system replacement that’s properly sized for your home.

When You Want Something More Energy Efficient (And Potentially Lower Energy Bills)

If you notice your electricity bills climbing each summer, a new, more energy efficient system could be your way to help lower those.

This can also tie into system age, as older models can run a bit less efficiently than other, more modern systems.

Bonus: Don’t Forget To Get A Second Opinion

While you’re evaluating different options for system replacements, remember that a second opinion is something that can help ensure you get the best system for your particular needs.

If your HVAC system is large and complex, it can be a good idea to have a second opinion in case your first HVAC contractor missed any details.

System replacement projects are not something to be handled lightly and knowing when the best time to replace can be tricky.

If you’re coming across any of the warning signs above, that should help you time things correctly – and create a replacement plan with your trusted, Lowcountry local heating and air company.