Having the right cooling system for your house during the hot summer months can significantly affect your comfort and wellness. However, like any machine, its performance will degrade over time, leaving you sweating in your own home. But should you repair or replace your air conditioner? Read on to find out.
Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace Your AC
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 to 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 other relevant factors.
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 If it’s inefficient and outdated, repairs probably won’t be worth it compared to the energy savings of a more modern unit.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 of 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 whether 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 constantly over 32 degrees and keeps up with the temperature settings, this is normal in an appropriately 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.
Understanding HVAC Regulatory Changes
If your air conditioner is more than a decade old, recent regulatory changes could impact your repair options and costs.
The R-22 Phaseout and What It Means
R-22, also known as Freon, is a type of refrigerant used by an HVAC system to cool a home. Through the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, several countries committed to a collaborative effort to regulate and phase out ozone-depleting substances, including R-22.
As such, in 2010, the U.S. stopped the sale of new AC units and heat pumps that use R-22. By 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completely banned the production and import of R-22.
Why Compliance Matters
Units manufactured in 2009 and earlier still use R-22 today. These non-compliant systems not only have rising maintenance costs but also limited parts availability, making repairs unreliable and expensive.
If your AC unit uses R-22 and runs out because of a refrigerant leak, an HVAC technician may still service your unit as usual, using the existing recycled, recovered, or reclaimed seereffsupply of this refrigerant. However, the worldwide supply of R-22 will continue to deplete with every repair, making it harder for you to get your AC unit serviced in the future. You might be forced to replace your unit sooner than expected, mainly if a refrigerant issue occurs.
Environmental Efficiency
Older systems that still rely on R-22 tend to be far less energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than newer models. Modern AC units that use EPA-approved refrigerants are not only safer for the ozone layer, but they also operate more efficiently, meaning lower energy bills, fewer repairs, and a reduced carbon footprint.
Take Advantage of Rebates and Government Programs
Several rebates and government programs are available to help you offset the cost of upgrading to a better, more efficient air conditioning system.
National and Provincial Programs
Programs like Canada’s Greener Homes Initiative offer rebates for homeowners upgrading to energy-efficient systems. Under the initiative, you may qualify for thousands in government incentives by switching to a high-efficiency or ENERGY STAR® certified AC model.
Utility Company Incentives
Local hydro companies may also offer seasonal promotions or rebates to further encourage energy conservation. Such discounts will not only reduce the upfront installation costs but also ensure lower energy bills and long-term savings.
Long-Term ROI
Various rebates and promotions help reduce the upfront cost of a new AC system. Additionally, over time, you will start seeing a long-term return on investment associated with lower utility bills and reduced repair costs.
How Smart Technology Can Lower Your Bills
Upgrading your HVAC system is not just about cooling power. It is about smarter, more efficient performance to ensure all-day comfort and provide long-term savings.
Smart Thermostats & Adaptive Cooling
Modern AC systems can be integrated with smart thermostats that learn your habits and optimize cooling schedules accordingly. This not only improves comfort but also prevents energy waste and lowers utility bills.
System Monitoring & Diagnostics
Some AC units include built-in monitoring and diagnostics that alert you about maintenance issues before they turn into expensive problems. This helps to reduce the unit downtime and associated repair costs.
Integration with Smart Homes
Today’s air conditioners can connect with mobile apps, voice assistants, and home automation systems, giving you greater control at the end of your fingertips.
Cost Savings Over Time
By reducing energy waste, running more efficiently, and preventing major repairs, smart HVAC technology and modern AC units can significantly lower your energy bills over time.
Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner? Get In Touch
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 an AC 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!
