San Antonio's long, hot summers wear air conditioners out faster. Here's what to expect, and when it's time to start shopping for a new system.
Most central air conditioners last around 12 to 15 years with regular maintenance. In San Antonio, where your AC may run hard from April through October, systems often land toward the lower end of that range, especially if they've missed tune-ups or were sized wrong from the start.
Age alone doesn't mean you have to replace your system. But once an AC is in its teens, these signs usually mean a new system will save you money and stress.
Older systems lose efficiency every year, and parts get harder (and more expensive) to find. If your AC is in this range and starting to have problems, it's a good time to get a free in-home estimate so you can plan ahead instead of replacing it in an emergency in July.
One repair every few years is normal. Repairs every summer are a warning sign. A simple rule many homeowners use: if a repair costs a big chunk of what a new system would, and the unit is already old, the money is usually better spent on replacement.
If your CPS Energy bill is higher than last summer and your habits haven't changed, your system may be losing efficiency. Newer systems use much less electricity to produce the same cooling.
Hot upstairs bedrooms, rooms that never cool down, or a system that runs all afternoon without reaching the thermostat setting can point to a worn-out system, or to a system that was never the right size for your home.
R-22 (often called Freon) was phased out years ago, so recharging an old R-22 system is expensive. If your system uses it, it's almost certainly 15+ years old and a strong candidate for replacement. Learn more in our guide to new AC refrigerants.
Grinding, banging, burning smells, or a house that feels sticky even when the AC is running can all mean major components are failing. See signs you need AC repair for the warning signs that need attention right away.
A one-time warm-air problem is often an easy fix (see why your AC is blowing warm air). When it keeps coming back on an older system, it's usually time to look at your options.
Planning ahead beats an emergency replacement in August. Get a free, no-obligation replacement estimate now so you know your options and price before your system quits.
Once you replace, a few habits make a big difference: change your filter regularly (see how often to change your AC filter), keep the outdoor unit clear of plants and debris, and get a tune-up every year. Our maintenance plan includes two tune-ups a year.
We'll assess your home and give you a real, no-obligation number.
