Air conditioners last somewhere between 12 to 15 years if you maintain them properly. A new air conditioner may be costly, but your aging system may also cost you quite a bit of money later down the road. Replacing it with a new one may be in your best interest and better for your pocket book. Read on for reasons why you should replace your air conditioner with a new one.

Your Older System Isn't Going To Last Forever

If it's an older system, chances are it isn't going to last much longer. You may be able to extend more life out of it, but do you really want it to stop working on that 100 degree day, leaving you without cool air?  Replacing the aging unit with a newer one is going to prevent this breakdown in the middle of the summer season, and you won't need to cross your fingers every morning that your system is going to run that day.

Older Systems Require More Repairs

The older the system is, the more repair costs you are going to have. If the system is really old, the parts may not be available or they may be very costly to repair. Either way, it's going to cost you more money. If your system is getting up in years, think about replacing it rather than repairing it to prevent throwing too much money at something that may not last another season.

Old Units Aren't As Energy Efficient

Those aging units may be costing you more money in energy bills as well. If your system is older than 10 years, it may be using more energy than necessary to run, which is going to show up in your monthly energy bills. A newer unit is much more energy efficient and will work to cool your house more efficiently, saving you money on your monthly bill.

Your Unit May Be Too Large Or Too Small

Aside from being an aging unit, your unit may not have been the right size for your home in the first place. Some people think bigger is better, or save money by putting in a smaller unit--either way is wrong. A unit that is too large will cool your home quickly and then shut off, only to have to turn on again and again. This quick-cycling can cost you money in energy usage. A unit that is too small will work continuously to keep up with the cooling of your home, which again will cost you money.

If you aren't sure if you should replace your air conditioner, talk to a professional for help.