Like all home appliances, there comes a time when it’s time to retire that old AC unit. But how can you tell, and if it is time, how can you pay for one? Well, here are the tell-tale signs of a breaking down AC unit and how to pay for a new one.
Lifespan
Typically, an air conditioning unit has a lifespan of about 10-15 years. Once it gets near or past that, it’s time to think about getting a new one. However, depending on whether or not you’ve had it regularly maintained, it may actually have a shorter lifespan than usual.
AC requires a replacement part/repair and the warranty has expired
Some parts or repairs are simply more expensive than they’re worth, especially if you can find a new AC at a fair price. On top of that, if the AC is near its retirement age and the warranty has expired, there’s not much good in keeping it anyway. It’s best to just buy a new AC and be done with it.
Unit simply doesn’t work like it’s supposed to
Your AC has two jobs: keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Not doing either of those jobs is adequate criteria to send it on a one way trip to the junkyard in favor of a new one.
Too expensive
The thing about older air conditioners is that it makes them less efficient and more expensive to fix than the newer models. You can check your energy bills from the last several months and how they pile up to get a good indicator of how much you’d be saving by getting a newer AC. If the numbers make your jaw drop, perhaps it’s time for a new AC.
Getting a new AC
There are several ways to get your new air conditioner financed. You can use your credit card, have a contractor finance equipment and installation, ask for a home equity, or apply for a personal loan. Some of these work better than others, but they will all get the job done.
Your air conditioner is one of the sturdiest electronics in your house, but even the sturdiest machine has to break down eventually. Luckily, the signs that your AC is expiring are relatively easy to catch. When one or more of these signs show themselves, make it a priority to get a new AC unit as soon as possible.
