When to Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner System?

Summer is upon us and most people have just started to use their air conditioners. If you have noticed that your unit is not running like it should be, you might be considering the decision to repair it vs. replacing it. There are many factors to take into consideration when making that decision.

First you want to look at THE AGE of your unit. The age of your unit plays a critical factor when deciding to either repair or replace your unit. A great way to help figure this out is by a simple math equation: You take the age of the equipment and multiply that by the repair cost. If the number is more than $5,000, then you should consider replacement. For example, a 10-year-old unit with a $350 repair equals $3,500. It’s OK to repair. Most units are recommended to be replaced every 10-15 years, but if you do not need to service it and it’s still running, repairing it should work just fine.

Next you want to look at the EFFICIENCY. There is a lot of new technology with A/C units out on the market. It is being recommended that units older than 15 years old be replaced with more energy-efficient units. Energy bills are always the highest in summer and winter when you have you’re A/C or heating units running the most. If you do buy a new, energy-efficient A/C unit, it is estimated that you could have a 20 percent savings on heating and cooling costs. That could be a huge incentive to replace your unit.

Another factor to take into account is HOW LONG YOU WILL BE AT THE RESIDENCE. If you are only living at your residence temporarily and the unit is running efficiently, economically it might be a better choice to do repairs every now and then, rather than pay for a brand new unit. If you know that you will be living in the residence for many years, replacing your unit could save you money in the long run. Paying for a good brand new unit will also save you from having to worry every year whether or not your unit will be working adequately.

If you constantly have to have MAINTENANCE done to your unit, this might be an indicator that it’s time to get a new unit. A great benefit to brand new units is that they come with a warranty! This means many years of saving money if there are any issues with your new unit. Just to have that peace of mind is a huge positive factor. On the other hand, you will still want to remember the $5,000 rule stated above. If your repairs are less than $5,000 then it’s okay to just repair it.

Another thing to consider is Comfort & Air Quality. Newer systems do a better job of controlling temperature and humidity, which reduces mold and mildew growth, improving both comfort and air quality in your home. If you have someone in your household that suffers from allergies, newer models can help with filtering out and keeping the temperatures regulated so they can be more comfortable in their living space.

The last thing to think about would be CONVENIENCE. Are you tired of having to constantly maintain your unit, find a part for it, replace your coolant, or suffer thru the heat and cold when it’s not working properly? Those are all reasons to get a new unit. If your unit is keeping you cool, or warm, only needs seasonal tune ups and your energy bills are relatively low, then there is no need to replace your unit.