Do electricity bills soar when you run your home’s air conditioning system in Bernalillo, New Mexico? The Public Service Company of New Mexico planned a slight rate increase for June 2025, and these types of events happen often. If your electric bill is already higher than it should be because of an old unit, you should seriously consider a new air conditioning unit to bring those numbers in line.
If you’re wondering how often to replace AC units overall, check out the five signs below. Then, call us to install a newer and more energy-efficient AC setup for you!
1. It Is Over a Decade Old
The average AC unit lifespan is ten to 20 years. If yours is over a decade old or even approaching the two-decade mark, it’s past time to start shopping for a new cooling unit.
If you fail to schedule AC services in Bernalillo, NM, you’ll soon spot the signs of AC failure. For reliable cooling, let a competent professional install a new unit for you.
2. It Only Blows Warm Air
To be clear, an AC unit that only blows warm air does not always require replacement. For example, you might avoid replacing an air conditioner that’s blowing warm air if all you have is a clogged air filter or low refrigerant levels. Other air conditioner woes won’t be so forgiving.
Is the air conditioner blowing warm air due to a faulty compressor or broken condenser? Is the unit also on the older side? Deciding when to replace air conditioners might depend on how soon you want to stop spending money on frequent repairs.
3. It Breaks Down All the Time
Are you on a first-name basis with your local HVAC technician because of how many AC repairs they’ve done on your unit in recent months? If you want to know how often to replace AC units in Bernalillo, NM, ask your technician to nudge you in the right direction.
Frequent breakdowns add up. Replacing an AC system could prevent you from spending a small fortune on repairs in the future.
4. It Makes Unusual Sounds
When you start up your AC unit, have you noticed sounds it never made before? Listen closely for:
- Banging
- Buzzing
- Clicking
- Humming
- Squealing
Some of these sounds ease with minor repairs, but others may call for major intervention. You’ll want to compare the cost of these major repairs to the cost of AC replacement to see which option makes more sense.
5. It Emits Strange Odors
In addition to listening to your air conditioning system’s sounds, you should also get a whiff. What smells does the air conditioner send throughout your space? Musty smells might indicate mold within your AC unit, while burning smells may hint at electrical issues.
Is your AC still relatively new? Consider repairing it rather than replacing it. However, noticing out-of-the-ordinary odors from an older AC unit could highlight bigger problems.
If You Really Want To Know How Often To Replace AC Units, Call Our Experts in Bernalillo, New Mexico
Surviving hot New Mexico summers would be nearly impossible without a reliable air conditioning setup. Now that you know how often to replace AC units in Bernalillo, NM, you can make an informed decision about when to kick your old one to the curb.
Why not read through Pen Pals Cooling Heating Plumbing’s AC repair vs. replacement guide for more information? You can always contact us if you have any questions about replacing an HVAC unit or getting service in Bernalillo, New Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read the answers to commonly asked questions from our air conditioning customers.
What Are the Dangers of Using an Old AC Unit in Bernalillo, NM?
Using an old air conditioning unit can present many dangers, including substantially increased energy bills, exposure to potential health risks from mold and mildew, and house fires in your home in Bernalillo, NM.
What Are the Benefits of Installing a New AC Unit?
Deciding to install a new air conditioner will come with many benefits. For example, new units will enhance energy efficiency, improve comfort, and run quieter than your existing cooling system. You should also have fewer AC repairs and could realize an increase in property value.
How Much Does It Cost To Install a New AC System?
The cost to install a new AC system depends on the type of unit you choose and the HVAC company you hire. Knowing how often to replace AC units can help you plan accordingly.