The only time most people think about their air conditioning is when it stops working. But regular maintenance is important to keep your unit cooling your home or business safely and efficiently for years, and it can help you avoid more costly repairs down the road.

The average unit runs more than 1,600 hours per year, even more in hot climates like Oklahoma and Arkansas. As your HVAC system runs, it collects dirt and dust that affect its ability to cool your home or business. In fact, left unchecked, your air conditioner could lose up to 5% of its efficiency each year.

Most manufacturers recommend performing seasonal maintenance of your HVAC system to keep it cooling efficiently, to identify problems before they become expensive to repair and to extend the life of your equipment. Airco Service offers an air conditioning maintenance program. Bi-annually, one of our licensed, trained and full insured technicians will help you get your A/C in peak shape for the season. This service includes checking filters and refrigerant, cleaning your inside and outside units, inspecting the wiring and mechanical parts, and making sure your air conditioning is blowing as cold as it should.

If you’ve noticed your house isn’t as cool as it used to be, or if you notice your energy bill keeps going up, give us a call.

Even a well-maintained air conditioner will have to be replaced periodically. But when is the right time to replace vs. repair your A/C? Here are a few key indicators that it might be time to get a new unit:

Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old

Energy Star, a government program that helps consumers make smarter, easier choices buying energy-efficient appliances, recommends upgrading if you’ve had your current HVAC system for ten years or longer. Some newer air conditioners can save up to 20% on your electric bill, so even if your older A/C is cheap to repair, it may save you money in the long-term to replace it.

Your A/C needs frequent repairs

If you find yourself making frequent small repairs to your equipment, it may be more cost-effective and less frustrating to replace it with a new, more reliable central air conditioning system.

Your A/C needs expensive repairs

Replacing part or all of your HVAC system is a significant investment. Still, if you’re facing substantial repairs to get your existing air conditioner functioning again, it may be worth it in the long run. Financial experts recommend using the 50% rule—replace your air conditioner if the cost of the repair is greater than or equal to half the cost of a new unit—veteran A/C technicians recommend multiplying the cost of the repair by the number of years you’ve owned the unit. If that number is greater than or equal to the cost of a new A/C, it’s time to pull the trigger.

Your air conditioner takes R-22 refrigerant

R-22 is an ozone-depleting refrigerant used in older air conditioning units. The EPA recently mandated that the production of R-22 be phased out by 2020, after which no new or imported R-22 will be allowed in the U.S. What does that mean for you? If your air conditioner uses R-22, replenishing its refrigerant will become increasingly expensive. If you’re facing an already-expensive repair on an R-22 unit, it may be time to consider replacing it with a new unit.

Whether your air conditioning system is outdated or the repair expense is too costly, Airco’s Comfort Specialists will work to find a solution to fit your needs. We offer the best new energy-efficient air conditioners, and because we know the financial strain investing in a new air conditioner can cause, we offer 0% financing for qualified buyers.