Most homeowners don’t think about their air conditioner until it quits in the dead heat of summer. But like any major system in the home, A/C units have a shelf life — and ignoring the signs of aging can lead to poor performance, sky-high energy bills, and uncomfortable days (and nights).

So, How Old Is Too Old?

Most central air conditioning systems last 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. After that, performance typically drops, efficiency tanks, and repair costs start creeping into “might-as-well-replace-it” territory.

At Taylor Home Inspections, we often find older units still running, but just barely — and homeowners are shocked when we show them how much they’re overpaying to cool the house.

Top Signs Your A/C Is Past Its Prime

• Age over 12-15 years (check the data plate on the condenser)
  
  

• Uneven cooling or rooms that stay hot
  
  

• Frequent service calls or refrigerant top-offs
  
  

• Loud noises, vibrations, or unusual cycling
  
  

• Your electric bill has been creeping up
  
  

If your unit checks more than one of those boxes, you’re probably better off replacing it than patching it.

SEER Rating and Efficiency

Today’s systems offer higher SEER ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), meaning they cool your home using far less energy than units from the 90s or early 2000s. If your unit is under SEER 13, it’s basically an energy hog compared to what’s available now.

What Home Inspectors Look For

When inspecting a home, we document:

• Age and make of the unit
  
  

• Cooling performance
  
  

• Condition of coils, fins, and electrical connections
  
  

• Evidence of rust, refrigerant leaks, or previous repairs
  
  

Sometimes, we uncover A/C units that were long past their safe and efficient operating life — and the buyer has no idea. That’s why a thorough home inspection is critical, especially in older homes.

Bottom line: If your A/C unit is pushing 15 years, it’s time to start planning — not panicking — for a replacement. And if you're buying or selling a home in Central Georgia, make sure your home inspector gives the HVAC system a full, honest evaluation.

Need a trusted home inspector in Macon or Warner Robins?
Call Taylor Home Inspections at 478-318-5364 or visit www.jwtaylorhomeinspections.com to schedule your inspection today.