The answer to 'when to replace air conditioner' is that you should typically replace your air conditioner every 10-15 years, or sooner if it is no longer efficiently cooling your home or requires frequent and costly repairs. As air conditioners age, they become less efficient, use more energy, and are more prone to breakdowns. Replacing an older, inefficient unit can save you money on your energy bills and provide more reliable cooling for your home.
Some key signs that it's time to replace your air conditioner include the unit being over 10 years old, needing frequent repairs, not cooling your home effectively, or using significantly more electricity than it once did. When your air conditioner is no longer keeping up with your cooling needs or becomes too expensive to maintain, it's usually best to replace it with a newer, more energy-efficient model.