7 Warning Signs You Might Need an AC Replacement

Edited: June 23, 2025

It usually starts small. Maybe a room that never cools quite right. Maybe the A/C kicks on, groans for a bit, and then cuts off. You shrug it off—because it’s not broken, just… a little off.

But in cities like Austin and San Antonio, where high temps linger well past summer and HVAC systems work overtime for months on end, those little issues tend to grow fast. And when your A/C is aging, inefficient, or running on outdated refrigerant, repairs may only buy you time—not comfort.

This guide isn’t here to tell you to rush into a replacement. It’s here to help you spot the clear signs that your air conditioner may be ready for retirement—so you can plan ahead, avoid surprise breakdowns, and even take advantage of new tax credits and rebates before peak demand hits.

Let’s break down the warning signs—so you know what to look (and listen) for.

1. Your System Is Over 10 Years Old

Most AC units have a working lifespan of 10 years—often lower in high-demand cities like Austin and San Antonio, where systems run longer and harder than the national average. If yours is pushing that age range, it’s likely running less efficiently and more expensively.

2. You’re Calling for Repairs More Than You’d Like

The occasional AC repair is normal. But if you’re on a first-name basis with your HVAC tech—or keeping a running tab on parts and labor—it may be time to ask whether replacement is the smarter investment. Every dollar you spend on an aging system is a dollar you could be putting toward a high-efficiency upgrade with lower operating costs.

3. It Struggles to Start, Stay On, or Reach Temperature

When your AC groans at startup, short cycles, or can’t quite reach the temperature on the thermostat, that’s not just annoying—it’s a sign of internal wear. From worn-out compressors to outdated blower motors, these problems can snowball fast in older systems. And in Texas heat, unreliable cooling isn’t just uncomfortable—it can become a safety risk.

4. You Feel Warm Air Coming from the Vents

If your AC is blowing warm—or just not cool—air, it could be a refrigerant issue. And that’s a big deal: R-410A refrigerant is being phased out, making repairs more expensive and refrigerant harder to find. A failing compressor or leak in the coil can cost hundreds, sometimes more. Replacement may not just be the better option—it may be your only compliant one.
→ Learn more about refrigerant changes and incentives

5. Your Home Has Hot Spots or Uneven Cooling

Have a room that always feels too hot—or a second floor that never cools down? It might be a sizing issue, a worn-out blower, or just an older unit that can’t keep up with modern comfort expectations. This is especially common in older San Antonio homes or open-layout Austin builds where airflow can be tricky.

6. You Hear Strange Noises

Banging, screeching, clicking—those aren’t just quirks. They could be signs of loose components, electrical issues, or failing motors. Ignoring them can lead to bigger breakdowns or even unsafe conditions. A well-running system should hum, not howl.

7. You Notice Musty or Burning Smells

Odors coming from your AC are never normal. Musty smells can signal mold inside the system—an issue during humid stretches in San Antonio. Burning smells might mean electrical failure. Either way, you’re not just dealing with a comfort problem—you’re risking indoor air quality and safety.

When It’s Time, We’re Here to Help

If your A/C is showing any of these signs, now’s the time to take action—not when you’re stuck in the heat. At Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning, we’ll walk you through your replacement options, help you find the right system for your home, and install it with care and precision.

Worried about the cost? We offer flexible financing options to make upgrading your comfort easier and more affordable—because no one should have to sweat over a budget.

Call today to speak with our team. From Austin to San Antonio, Radiant is ready to keep your home cool and your comfort covered.