Temperatures are rising across Wisconsin, and the humidity is already noticeable when you step outside. Before we hit the peak summer months throughout the Fox Cities, ensure your air conditioning is running correctly when you need it most.
Here are a few indicators that it’s time for an air conditioning replacement before the summer heat sets in.
- Age of the AC Unit (12+ years old)
- Higher Energy Bills
- Frequent Repairs
- Inefficient or Uneven Cooling
- Strange Noises or Odors
- Air Conditioning Failure
Age of the AC Unit
If your air conditioner is 12+ years old, it might be time to consider a replacement.
As air conditioning units age, they lose efficiency and are more prone to breakdowns, leading to increased repair costs and energy consumption. An aging unit often struggles to effectively provide cold air to your home, resulting in uneven temperatures and discomfort.
Most AC units are only designed to last between 15 to 20 years, depending on the level of maintenance and usage.
According to Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), once your air conditioning unit is over 12 years old, you can end up paying up to $1,000 per year in cooling costs.
Higher Energy Bills
If your summer electric bills are climbing and your usage hasn’t changed much, your AC may be running longer and harder than it used to.
Older or damaged AC systems are far less efficient than today’s Energy Star®-rated models, which are built to handle Wisconsin’s hot Julys and cool evenings without skyrocking your electricity costs.
Some of our customers note that their energy bills skyrocketed during the summer months, even though they scheduled regular maintenance. After replacing their outdated unit with a newer, energy-efficient model, they saw a significant reduction in their monthly energy costs and enjoyed a more consistent and comfortable indoor climate.
Frequent Repairs
A one-off AC fix is one thing, but if you frequently have to call our AC repair technicians , it might be a sign that your unit is on its last leg.
Constant breakdowns disrupt your comfort and lead to mounting repair and utility bills that can quickly add up. At a certain point, the cost of repeated repairs can approach or even exceed the cost of a new unit. Frequent repairs often indicate underlying issues that can’t be permanently fixed with replacement parts.
Compare your repair costs against the price of a new unit. A good rule of thumb is that if repairs are over 50% of a new unit’s cost, replacement is the smarter investment.
“We had a new furnace and AC installed. Martens was very responsive and had great communication. Martens was one of several quotes that we had and Martens did the most thorough job beforehand by far. We felt confident choosing them. Our installers did a great job. Alex was very knowledgeable and friendly. He made sure we understood the new units and thermostat. He also did a very thorough job cleaning up after! I’d highly recommend Martens to anyone!” — Maci W.
Inefficient Cooling
If you notice that your air conditioner is running constantly but struggling to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your Fox Cities home, it’s likely that the system is no longer operating efficiently or may not be the right size.
Excess humidity is another red flag: a healthy AC should help dehumidify, not leave your home feeling sticky.
This inefficiency and uneven cooling can result in certain areas of your home feeling warm or humid while others are overly cool, causing discomfort and frustration for you and your whole family.
If your old air conditioner can’t keep up during the hottest Wisconsin days, despite adjusting the thermostat, it’s likely time to replace your unit.
Strange Noises or Odors
Unusual sounds or odors are a pretty obvious sign that something is wrong with your air conditioner. These issues can signal serious problems and may even pose a health risk, so it’s not something you should ignore.
Noises such as grinding, squealing, or banging can signal mechanical issues with your AC or worn-out components within the system. These noises often indicate problems that could lead to more severe damage and expenses if not addressed immediately.
Strange odors , such as musty or burning smells coming from your AC unit, can indicate mold growth, electrical issues, or other serious problems.
Ignoring these signs can compromise indoor air quality and pose health and safety risks such as fires, breathing issues, and depleted oxygen levels.
Air Conditioning Failure
Experiencing a complete failure of your air conditioning system is a clear indicator that replacement is necessary.
When your AC stops working altogether, especially during peak Wisconsin summer months, it can lead to significant discomfort and inconvenience for your household. This could be caused by many factors, such as compressor failure, refrigerant leaks, or electrical issues that are beyond repair.
By upgrading to a new, reliable unit, you can regain peace of mind and uninterrupted comfort in your home.
“[The Marten’s team] came on time, were pleasant to talk with during the installation, answered all my questions during installation, and explained things in a manner that I understood. After they left, I felt like I had chosen the best business of the nine that quoted the job. I would happily recommend this business to all. Thanks for an excellent job guys.” — Terry G.
What to Do Next
If you’re experiencing any of the above issues with your air conditioner, don’t panic.
Schedule an HVAC Inspection.
While we know a lot of Wisconsinites pride themselves on being DIYers, we recommend you get a professional opinion.
Our Wisconsin HVAC technicians are trained with what to look for and can offer expertise on whether a repair or replacement is your best, most affordable option. We can also help you figure out what type of AC unit is right for your home.
Look for Rebates and Tax Incentives
We know that a new air conditioner is an investment, but you have options to help with the cost.
Focus on Energy often offers incentives for high-efficiency systems in Wisconsin. You can also take advantage of IRA tax credits that can help make replacing your AC unit more affordable.
Martens Heating & Cooling also offers competitive financing to Fox Cities homeowners to reduce financial strain of your AC unit.
Plan Ahead
Don’t wait until your air conditioner is kaput. If you notice any of the above warning signs, it’s better to replace it sooner rather than later. Replacing in spring or fall can save money and avoid emergency installs or long wait times when the temperatures are sweltering in mid-summer.
Contact the Fox Cities AC Experts
If you have questions about replacing an air conditioning unit in your Appleton, Oshkosh, or Neenah-area home, or if your current AC unit needs repairs or maintenance, call the experts at Martens Heating and Cooling today.
Our team has extensive knowledge and experience in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry, our Omro-based team can provide valuable insights, guidance, and solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you’re seeking advice on system maintenance, smart thermostats, troubleshooting issues, or are considering replacing your HVAC system, our team is here to help. Our technicians travel throughout the Fox Cities area, including:
Call us today to ensure your air conditioning unit runs smoothly and efficiently all summer.
PS: Act fast, and you can get up to a $2,600 tax credit when installing a new Bryant mini-split AC.