If your AC condenser was struck by lighting, flooded or has a failed compressor, you may need to replace the air conditioning unit if repairs aren't possible. Plus, when the condenser has a lot of damage, it's sometimes better financially if you replace it rather than spend a lot on repairs. Here are some things to discuss with an AC contractor about an air conditioning unit replacement.

1. If You'll Need A New Slab

If your old concrete slab is cracked or no longer level, you might want to replace it when you get a new condenser. It may not be necessary since the AC contractor can put adjustable feet on your condenser to level it. However, if you wish the condenser was somewhere else, now is the time to move it and put in a new pad.

If the condenser is right outside of your bedroom, you may be tired of listening to it cycle on and off all night. The contractor might be able to move it to the side of the house so that you can have some peace and quiet, but that will add to the installation cost since the condenser connects to the air handler indoors.

2. If You'll Need A New Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is in the air handler inside your house. It is connected to the condenser coil in the condenser outside. When you get a new condenser, you'll get a new condenser coil.

Your contractor might be able to hook the old evaporator coil into your new refrigerant system, but they may say a better choice would be to replace the evaporator coil too since it is one looped circuit the refrigerant flows through.

3. If You'll Need New Refrigerant

The refrigerant used in your old AC system may not be suitable for your new equipment. Talk to your AC contractor about whether it's a good time to switch to new refrigerant or if they can use your old refrigerant with the new equipment. They might even be able to clean the old refrigerant so you can use it again, but your contractor might recommend brand new refrigerant for the best performance of your equipment.

You may also want to talk to the contractor about the best way to protect your air conditioner so it has a long life. They may advise you to protect it from direct sun as long as you leave plenty of room for air circulation, keep weeds trimmed away, have regular annual maintenance services and call an AC repair company for help when the condenser makes weird noises.

Look to an AC replacement service near you to learn more.