Air conditioners don’t last forever, and knowing when you can manage with repairs and when it’s time for an upgrade can save you considerable money in the long run. While the up-front cost will always be higher than a repair, you must consider your monthly utility bill savings from a more energy-efficient unit and not worry about calling a technician for constant repairs. Some key signs that you should start looking to install a new air conditioner in your home include:

• Repairs cost at least half as much as a new unit. If your technician quotes you a repair price of at least half the cost of a new unit, you should seriously consider scrapping your current AC and upgrading to a new one.
• Your AC is over a decade old. Air conditioners typically last between 15 and 20 years with proper maintenance and care. Once your unit gets close to that age, you should start researching new units and consider an upgrade.
• Your AC is making loud, strange noises when running. While air conditioners tend to be far from silent, if yours ever starts to make new noises like banging, whirring, buzzing, clicking, etc., you should turn it off immediately and call a professional to take a look and ensure a significant component isn’t broken.
• Your AC is leaking fluid inside your home.While it’s common for condensation to form on your air conditioner outside, it should never start to drip or leak inside. This could be caused by a coolant leak, which can be seriously dangerous to you, your pets, and your family.