Your home’s cooling system represents a significant investment in comfort and property value. Knowing when to upgrade requires a pragmatic assessment of your current system’s performance, efficiency, and condition. At Purcell Heating and Air, we help Calgary homeowners identify the precise moment when replacement delivers superior value compared to continued repairs.
Most AC systems have a 15-20 year functional lifespan.
Systems installed before 2006 operate at significantly lower efficiency standards.
Equipment over 15 years old warrants careful evaluation.
Cooling costs increasing despite similar usage patterns.
Efficiency losses of 5-10% per year in aging systems.
Monthly energy consumption significantly higher than similar homes.
More than two repair calls in the past two seasons.
Repair costs exceeding 50% of replacement value.
Difficulty sourcing replacement parts.
Significant temperature variations between rooms.
Inability to maintain set temperature during peak summer conditions.
Extended run times without achieving comfort.
Home feels clammy or excessively dry.
Condensation on windows during operation.
Mold or mildew growth in air ducts.
Grinding, squealing, or rattling sounds during operation.
Louder than normal operation compared to previous seasons.
Unusual noises at startup or shutdown.
Systems using R-22 (phased out since 2020).
Refrigerant leaks becoming common.
Extremely high cost of R-22 refrigerant recharging.
Unable to integrate with modern thermostats.
Lack of variable operation capabilities.
No energy monitoring functionality.
System unable to accommodate modern air purification.
Increased allergy symptoms during operation.
Visible dust accumulation shortly after cleaning.
Home renovations or additions.
Increased occupancy.
New heat-generating equipment installed.
Beyond performance indicators, conduct this financial evaluation:
Calculate: Cost of repair Cost of replacement
If ratio exceeds 0.5, replacement generally offers better value.
Average life (18 years) – current age = remaining life.
Divide annual energy savings from new system by replacement cost.
If energy savings percentage exceeds remaining life percentage, upgrade is financially justified.
Current provincial and municipal incentives.
Manufacturer rebates for high-efficiency replacements.
Tax benefits for energy-efficient upgrades.
Consider these forward-looking factors in your assessment:
Increasing summer temperature trends in Calgary.
Rising electricity costs.
Smart home integration plans.
Environmental regulations affecting refrigerants.
Home value implications for potential sale.
Ready for a professional assessment of your current cooling strategy? Contact Purcell Heating and Air at (403) 312-9099. For detailed information about our replacement and installation services, visit our AC replacement page. Calgary residents can find local service information at www.purcellheating.ca/calgary/.
