Like most mechanical equipment or appliances, aircon systems often show signs they're nearing the end of their useful life before they eventually fail and need to be replaced. The good news is that you can figure out when to start planning your AC system replacement project by keeping track of the age and performance of your existing system.

Here are some telltale signs your residential aircon system is on its last legs and may soon require a replacement.

Your Aircon System Is Too Old

Like other home appliances, air conditioning systems have a limited lifespan. With proper maintenance, they can last about 15 to 20 years, on average, so it's recommended you start shopping for a new one if your home's existing equipment is almost reaching the end of its expected lifespan.

Your Aircon System Breaks Down Too Often

When preventative maintenance isn't performed on your AC equipment, you won't be able to catch problems early. As existing problems remain unaddressed, they're likely to lead to major issues that can drastically affect the reliability, performance, and lifespan of your space cooling equipment.

If you haven't been proactive about taking care of your AC system and it has been breaking down too frequently, it may be best to have a new system installed.

Your Space Cooling Bills Are Too High

Space heating and cooling alone account for over 50 percent of the annual household energy use in the average American home. That said, you'll want to keep your air conditioning costs at a minimum.

If your old AC equipment is costing you money by using too much electricity, upgrading to a newer, more efficient model can result in significant savings on energy and money over the long term.

Your AC System Isn't Cooling Evenly

Depending on the specific type of aircon system you have, your AC system should keep your whole house or the different rooms of the house at a constant temperature.

If you're experiencing unexplained fluctuations in temperature in different parts of a room, and standard AC repairs can't seem to correct the issue, it may be time to consider getting a new space cooling system for your home.

Replacing your old air conditioning system is a major financial decision. That's why you may delay the decision to purchase a new unit until you're absolutely sure that you need it. If you encounter any of the above highlighted issues with your home's cooling system, it's a good idea to start thinking about getting it replaced. A local HVAC specialist can help you choose the right system for your home.

Contact a company like John's Air Conditioning and Heating Service, LLC to learn more.