Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace an Air Conditioner
Having the right cooling system for your house during hot summer months can significantly affect your home life in terms of comfort and wellness. However, like any machine, its performance will degrade over time. Below, we have indicated items to note when deciding whether your air conditioner needs to be repaired or replaced.
Age of an Air Conditioner
Generally, the longevity of a central cooling system within a home is approximately ten – fifteen years, depending on how well it is maintained. When your system hits this mark, its power and efficiency will gradually decrease. To assess its condition based on age, consider elements such as maintenance done over the years, the number of repairs that have been needed, the frequency of adjustments, and otherwise.
Below are a few ways to discover the age of your AC:
- The installation date;
- Using the serial number online to see when the system was built;
- The unit’s manufacture month and date, found on the manufacturer’s nameplate.
Costs
The first step in understanding whether your air conditioner’s repairs are feasible or not worth it is knowing the cost of your bills, done through an account assessment. If it’s inefficient and outdated, repairs probably won’t be worth it compared to the energy savings of a more modern unit. Create a comparison in statements received now in contrast to previous years. Are they significantly higher, or has there been a moderate increase?
The second step is learning the cost of repairs. To interpret if the repairs required are more suitable than buying a new system, multiply the repair cost by the age of your air conditioner in years. If the result is lower than $5,000, then repairs may be worth considering. However, if the difference is greater, a replacement would likely be more appropriate.
Number of Repairs
Knowing the number of repairs required in your cooling structure relies on aspects such as age, maintenance, and/or if they are part of a more significant issue within the home. If care has not been consistent or the current state of your system requires multiple resources, it may be better to consider a substitute.
Usage and Time
An air conditioner will typically turn on and off periodically, helping to maintain indoor conditions. However, if this system runs continuously under cooler conditions, it could be a sign of a more significant issue. If it runs continuously over 32 degrees C, and keeps up with the temperature settings, this is normal in a properly sized unit.
Additionally, knowing how long you will require an air conditioner in your household may help to inform your decision. If the intention is to make use of it in the long term, such as for ten or more years, then it’s important to gauge whether it makes sense cost and investment-wise to either repair or replace the unit when problems arise with its performance or reliability.
Performance
The purpose of an air conditioner is to keep your living space cool and within an ideal temperature range. When the system fails to reach this goal, such as pushing warm air, this should indicate that a repair or replacement is needed.
Our specialists know that the air conditioner is a staple in any home. However, when your system starts to face speed bumps, finding a guideline for next steps, regardless of whether you need a repair or replacement, can be challenging. To support your journey, book an appointment with us and let’s discuss suitable options for your HVAC equipment. We’re happy to assist!!
