When your air conditioner isn’t keeping up with the Okanagan heat: Should you repair or replace it?

While repairs might save money in the short term, frequent breakdowns and rising energy bills can make replacing your system the smarter long-term investment. At Bee’s Knees Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electrical, our HVAC experts recommend watching for these three key signs that it may be time to upgrade your air conditioning system.

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1. Your AC System Is Getting Old

The typical air conditioner lasts 10 to 15 years, depending on usage and maintenance. If your unit is approaching that range—or beyond—it might be time to consider a replacement.

• Heavy use during Vernon’s hot summers can shorten your AC’s lifespan.
• Cooler climates and regular maintenance can help it last longer.
• If your aging unit isn’t cooling as well as it used to or you’re booking repairs more often, investing in a new system is probably more cost-effective.

Remember: age alone isn’t everything, but declining performance on an older system is a red flag.

2. You’re Noticing Poor Performance and Higher Energy Bills

An air conditioner struggling to keep your home cool may not just be underperforming — it could cost you more every month.

• If your AC runs longer but still leaves you sweating, its efficiency is likely declining.
• Sudden spikes in energy bills, despite routine maintenance, could mean your system is no longer running efficiently.

According to Natural Resources Canada, upgrading to a high-efficiency air conditioner with an ENERGY STAR® rating can significantly reduce your energy consumption, often by 20% or more compared to older, less efficient models. These modern systems lower your energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Indoor Air Quality and Humidity Are Getting Worse

A properly functioning air conditioner does more than cool your home—it also helps control indoor humidity and air quality.

• If your indoor air feels damp and muggy or you see signs of excess moisture (like condensation on windows), your AC may struggle.
• Overworked systems often can’t keep up with cooling and dehumidifying demands in Vernon’s humid summers.
• Poor humidity control can increase allergens like mould, dust mites, and musty odours.

If your air feels heavy and uncomfortable, your AC might no longer be up to the task, and a replacement system could dramatically improve your home’s air quality.

4. Frequent and Costly Repairs

If you’re constantly calling for AC repairs, it may no longer make financial sense to keep fixing an outdated or inefficient system.

• Are you repairing your unit more than once per season?
• Have you spent over 50% of the cost of a new unit on repairs in the last year?
• Do you often find yourself without cooling during peak summer heat?

These are all strong indicators that your air conditioner is in trouble. Repeated service calls, parts, and temporary fixes can quickly add up, often exceeding the price of a modern, energy-efficient system.

Pro Tip: If your unit is out of warranty and parts are becoming harder to find, that’s another sign it’s nearing the end of its usable life.

Need Honest Advice? We’re Here to Help

Not sure if it’s time to replace your AC? Our licensed HVAC technicians at Bee’s Knees Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electrical are here to help you make the right decision. We service all makes and models and offer transparent recommendations based on your specific system and home.