What kind of air conditioner?

Replace it when it breaks.

Ask the salesman when they come to give you a quote for a new furnace!

Damn, I hadn't thought of that. I figured when it quit I'd just put on some heavy boots and kick it until it started up again.

== Good plan. Kicking it is usually always cheaper than replacing something.

Not necessarily...

Jack Daniels is said to have died of "blood poisoning" after kicking the safe in his office during a fit of pique and breaking his big toe... :)

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Here's the rule (IMHO) - If it says "High Efficiency" then it is old and inefficient. Look for a label at the coil, where the refrigerant lines go into the plenum of the furnace. My AC guy just replaced a unit for me that was installed in 1972! We could tell by the serial number on the coil.

JK

An experienced Tech can take the airflow CFM and the other test checks on this page and tell you fairly close how many BTUH it is putting out. It won't be the same as the tests they do at specific dry bulb temps & conditioned space wet bulb temp, but should put you in the ballpark providing it is delivering close to its rated BTUH; that of course is doubtful. The condenser air temp splits are NOT on that page, the links are there.

Yo can check the evaporator numbers but it might be oversized on a high efficiency unit, which is probably a 10-SEER. If you have it apart the flow rator number might be a good clue, if it is properly matched, ha. How is the Airflow on that Chrysler Airtemp Oil Furnace? It may have a different design than some of the Thermo Pride's. - udarrell

LOL.