Air conditioning is an essential amenity that helps people in hotter climates live in comfortable temperatures — it’s no mistake that this industry grows by about 4.1% every year and is worth a massive $71 billion. But contrary to popular belief, these systems don’t last forever, even with the right maintenance.

Could you need a new home air conditioning installation but not even know it? Running an air conditioning unit that has reached the end of its lifespan might be doing more harm than good. In fact, it might be walking more than running at this point. Here are the three biggest indicators that it’s time to replace your home’s air conditioner:

While the best heating and cooling systems can last as long as 12 to 15 years, systems this old tend to consume much more energy than newer units — in some cases, as much as double the energy! With a new, energy-efficient home air conditioning installation, you’ll benefit from significantly lower energy bills and won’t have to worry about replacing parts anytime soon.

An air conditioning unit can become noisy due to a number of factors, from improper installation to poor duct size. A noisy air conditioner is more than just an annoying background noise in your home; it means your system isn’t working properly, or it’s the wrong unit for your home. In either case, it’s likely time for a replacement.

As an air conditioner ages, it loses its ability to filter out allergens like pollen and dust from the air inside your home. If you or someone in your family has allergies or respiratory conditions, an old air conditioner might make them worse, regardless of whether you’re changing out your air filters regularly. By replacing your air conditioner, you and your family can breather easier.

Have any other questions for us about home air conditioning services and repairs? Feel free to ask anything related to heating and cooling services in the comments below.