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When deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioner, several factors should be considered. It is generally worth repairing the unit if it's less than 10 years old, the warranty is still active, and you're dealing with a one-off issue. Most central AC units last about 15 years, while window units last 8 to 10 years. If your unit is approaching or has surpassed the 10-year mark and requires frequent or costly repairs (e.g., over $5,000), replacement is often the more sensible long-term investment. For older, inefficient, or out-of-warranty units experiencing multiple problems, replacing it is typically the better choice.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, or ASHRAE, sets the standard guidelines for air changes per hour in homes and businesses. The International Residential Code, or IRC, also sets ACH requirements for residences and bases those requirements off of ASHRAE standards plus climate specifics related to your location.

AC evaporator coils should be cleaned at least once per year to keep your unit in good condition. For optimal performance, consider cleaning them twice a year—once before and once after the main cooling season. More frequent cleanings may be necessary for older systems, units with performance issues, or those in climates with high levels of humidity, dust, and dirt.

Most HVAC companies recommend against setting your AC below 70 as it could freeze up the system and cause more problems. Regardless of how hot it is outside, there is generally a 20 degree difference between the outside and inside temperatures, so even if it’s 100 degrees outside, your AC will likely not be able to cool your home to 70 degrees.