Posted: July 6, 2026
A well-maintained central AC system should provide at least 15 years of good service. The cost of a tune-up is usually worthwhile—it can prevent a lot of expensive repair jobs and help keep your energy costs down, too. But even with regular tune-ups, eventually age takes its toll. Repairs will get more frequent—and more expensive—once the warranty is expired. If you’re considering replacing your air conditioning system, understanding your options—and the timeline involved—can help you make a confident decision. Here’s what you need to know.
Beyond age, the main factor to consider is performance. How well did your system do at keeping you comfortable last year? Did you experience frequent breakdowns? Did you see a big spike in your energy use—even though you had a tune-up? Those can be big red flags that your system isn’t operating as efficiently as it should be. Take a look at your energy bills: Are you paying more because the rates went up, or is it due to higher energy use? One thing you can control, the other you can’t.
The other factor to consider is any changes you may have made to your home since your cooling system was installed. Maybe you converted an attic or basement into a usable space or enclosed a screen porch to make it a year-round space. Those areas may not be cooled by your current system. You can update your system—or our cooling-system pros can show you how a high-efficiency ductless unit can make these spaces more comfortable year-round without replacing your whole system.
The good news is that a new system will run more efficiently and help you cut your cooling costs by as much as a third. Our team of experts can help access your needs and talk to you about trouble spots, like those spaces that never seem to cool off.
Something else to consider: Your AC system relies on the blower motor for your furnace. If it’s more than 15 years old, your new cooling equipment may not operate at the efficiency levels it’s designed to. You may want to consider updating to a super-efficient heat pump that can both heat and cool your home.
The best time to replace your air conditioner is before it stops working altogether. You don’t want to have to make decisions about replacing your cooling equipment when it breaks down during a heatwave.
Scheduling a replacement during the shoulder seasons offers several advantages, not least of it is more comfortable temperatures during the installation process. You’ll also have more choice of appointments, more time to consider all your options.
Once you’ve decided on a new cooling system, the process is fairly quick. It usually only takes a day to remove the old equipment, install new indoor and outdoor components, connect refrigerant lines and electrical systems, and run tests. Adjustments or modifications to ductwork might add another day.
Switching to a heat pump can take a little longer, from one to three days, and may require electrical upgrades and a new thermostat in addition to equipment replacement.
Choosing the right system often comes down to your home’s layout, existing infrastructure, and how you prefer to manage comfort. For a home with ductwork that’s in good shape, it might make sense to stick with central AC. But maybe your home could could benefit from the flexibility of mini-splits. If you’re thinking more holistically about energy use and year-round performance, a heat pump may be the right fit.
The pros at Roberts Energy have decades of experience helping families in northern Vermont keep their homes comfortable. Whether you have cooling equipment questions, or need equipment installation or service, Roberts’ team is here for you. Contact us for more information today.
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