A well-maintained air conditioner unit should last 10 to 15 years. If your unit is nearing this age or is even older, it's time to seriously consider replacing the entire unit. Most air conditioners worth the selling price have an average lifespan of between 10 and 15 years with adequate maintenance of 26%. If the compressor shuts down, it's best to replace the entire unit.Why? Because when a unit reaches that age, the chances of suffering a mechanical breakdown skyrocket.
You could save some money now by simply replacing the broken component. However, what happens if a few months later another piece breaks down? The pattern continues until, finally, you end up needing a new unit anyway. All the money you spent on keeping the old one on life support was in vain. Still, there is something to be said when replacing a very old unit, by choosing to replace the entire system. We often recommend homeowners replace the entire air conditioner rather than just the condenser, but the cost of doing so can be quite high.
Sometimes you can replace the AC capacitor coil without having to replace the entire outdoor condenser unit. In addition, an air conditioning or air conditioning company is likely to replace air conditioning condensers or offer you discounts on purchases that you may not have access to. A lack of preventive maintenance is often the underlying cause of capacitor failures, says Kory Burgess, service account manager at Pleune Service Co. You can repair many of the condenser parts instead of replacing them, including expensive parts, such as the air conditioning compressor and condenser coils. The condensing unit replacement process can take three to six hours, and many companies charge a minimum service fee. If you change an existing system, make sure to match the size of your new air conditioner condenser to the existing one or it won't be compatible with your indoor unit.
Replacing a compressor in an air conditioning system can be quite expensive; it's one of the most expensive repairs in the industry. Whether you need repair or replacement services for your air conditioner condenser, it's always best to hire a professional contractor. The choice between air conditioning service to replace the outdoor unit or a total system replacement depends on a few key factors. When it comes to deciding when to replace your AC condenser, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration. First and foremost, if your unit is nearing 10-15 years old or is even older, it's time to seriously consider replacing it. This is because when a unit reaches that age, its chances of suffering a mechanical breakdown skyrocket.
Additionally, if your compressor shuts down, it's best to replace the entire unit as opposed to just one component. In some cases, you may be able to replace just the AC capacitor coil without having to replace the entire outdoor condenser unit. However, this isn't always possible and it's important to note that an air conditioning company may offer discounts on purchases that you wouldn't have access to otherwise. Furthermore, if you choose to change an existing system, make sure that you match its size with your new air conditioner condenser or else they won't be compatible. Ultimately, when it comes time for you to decide whether or not you should replace your AC condenser or opt for a total system replacement, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration. It's important to note that preventive maintenance is key in avoiding costly repairs and replacements and that hiring a professional contractor is always recommended.
