Is it time to replace your air conditioning system?

If you’re like most homeowners, it’s a question that you probably haven’t put much thought into. After all, why would you? Your system is working, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.

Unless it’s obviously failing, it’s usually a case of “out of sight, out of mind.”

Take our word for it though, it’s something that you’ll want to think about – maybe not today, but one day, your system may fail you!

We’ve talked about some of the things you need to consider when deciding to replace your air conditioning, or upgrade an AC unit.

Are you ready for when that decision finally comes?

And more importantly, when will you need to start thinking about replacing your air conditioner?

How long does a ducted air conditioner last?

Most air conditioning systems can last anywhere between 10 and 15 years – choose a good brand and book regular ongoing aircon servicing however, and you can easily stretch that number out and add more years to your system’s life.

10-15 years should be the minimum amount of time your aircon in Brisbane lasts, not the goal – our team can help you reach that, thanks to:

• A wide selection of trustworthy brands
• Speedy air conditioning repairs and maintenance
• Quality workmanship and skill
• Expert system design process

Depending on how long you stay at the property, you might never have to even consider the prospect of air conditioning replacement at all!

Of course, if you live at your home for a long time (or have moved into a property with a pre-existing cooling system) then it’s a different story.

When should I replace my ducted air conditioning?

When it comes to ducted air conditioning in Brisbane, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution – nor is there such a thing as a single answer that works for every single property out there.

That’s why most manufacturers and installers insist on offering time ranges instead of exact dates.

That’s because it depends on a number of different factors…

System age

Obviously, the biggest thing that’s going to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your ducted air conditioning system is your current system’s age.

While it’s possible to push past the 10-15 year limit, there comes a certain point where a system gets so old that it’s just not worth maintaining it any more, and the cost of replacement is actually better value than maintaining your current one!

The exact point will depend on:

• Your system
• The brand you chose
• How well-maintained it is
• The supply of spare parts

Whatever system you use, our team can help you identify this point and determine whether or not it’s worth hanging onto your system or replacing it.

When continued repairs become untenable

Like we mentioned above, ducted air conditioning repairs eventually reach the point where it can actually be more affordable to replace the system outright.

Sometimes, it’s because an older system becomes less reliable, requiring more frequent repairs.

And in other cases, it’s because all the parts needed to service your system have dried up!

Older systems that are out of production are especially prone to this. Since they aren’t being made anymore, spare parts can be very difficult – and expensive – to obtain.

For an example, look no further than the R22 phase-out.

Once the most common type of refrigerant, the importation of this coolant into Australia is now restricted meaning that there’s only a finite amount of the stuff left. As this reserve dries up, topping up your system gets more expensive.

While some systems can be regassed, the ones that can’t will need to be replaced.

Size matters

A system that’s worked hard will wear out faster, and may need to be replaced sooner.

A lot of homeowners try to compensate for this by installing more powerful systems, using the logic that a more powerful system should last longer.

What they don’t know is that often, the opposite happens!

Air conditioning systems – ducted or otherwise – are optimised to run for hours on end. In fact, it’s actually stopping and starting that have the greatest effect on your system’s longevity.

A more powerful system reaches its target temperature quicker, shutting off and turning back on more frequently – something that directly results in faster wear-and-tear.

All of which can result in more frequent air conditioning repairs, and in some cases, even premature replacement.

Recent bills

One of the telltale signs that it’s time to give your current system a send-off is seen on your power bills. Are they suddenly a lot higher than usual? If so, that can be a sign that your system is due for replacement!

Sometimes, getting your system serviced or repaired by an expert will address the issue, and get your system back to its usual power consumption.

In other cases where they can’t fix it and your system continues to use up heaps of power… well, in those cases your only choices might be to replace it, or just watch your power bills continue to climb until your system finally gives out.

When should I replace my AC ductwork?

Ducting is the centre of your ducted heating and cooling system – so naturally, any issues with it can raise questions about whether or not it’s time to replace your system.

Luckily for you, the vast majority of time, so long as your ducts are in good condition, they shouldn’t need to be replaced!

In fact, when the time does come to replace your ducted air conditioning system, our mobile tech team can often find ways to integrate your existing ductwork into your new system, bringing down the cost of installation.

As long as the material itself is still good and there are no tears or rips, your ductwork might actually be able to survive multiple air conditioning replacements.

Can I replace ducted air conditioning myself?

Sorry, but nope!

While certain minor issues like noisy ducted air conditioning and blocked filters can be dealt with on your own, wholesale replacing a system is something that’s best left to the professionals.

There are plenty of reasons to not DIY it:

• Mistakes – since you aren’t a professional, there’s a high chance of getting something wrong
• Insurance – few home insurance policies cover DIY-related mishaps
• Licensing – under Australian law, air conditioning installation needs to be carried out by a licensed installer

Just look at air conditioning refrigerants as an example – you may not know it, but this liquid can actually cause burns if it comes into direct contact with human skin. That’s why refrigerant handlers need to be licensed.

How much does it cost to replace ducted air conditioning?

Once again, it all depends; there are a number of techniques our team uses to bring down the cost of your aircon upgrade.

For example, as mentioned above, we can often reuse parts of your current system such as the ducts assuming they’re in good condition. Not only does this save you the cost of getting new ductwork, but it also means that we won’t have to cut your ceiling open either.

That can equate to a lower labour cost – something that helps bring your quote down further!

What’s more, our team offers incentives such as interest free air conditioning to make upgrading your system more feasible.

When it come to choosing between repair and replace, choose a team that can offer unbiased support and advice

Air conditioning is a big expense after all – it’s only natural to want to make sure you’re getting the best advice.

And that starts by calling the right team.

With more than 30 years in the business specialising in ducted and split systems alike, our team has fixed just about every problem you can think of.

You can trust our specialists to give honest and impartial advice when it comes to your system, allowing you to make a more informed decision (because at the end of the day, it’s still your call to make!)

All you need to do is get in touch. Call Tri-Tech today on (07) 3394 0222 or click here to get in touch online!