AC Repair or Replace, How to Know Which
If you are looking for repairs to your air conditioning system, you may also be considering an AC replacement. How do you know which is right for you? There are some issues you will want to consider.
Repair Costs
- How much is it going to cost to repair your system? If the cost of repairs is approaching 20% of the cost of a new system, you should give serious consideration to replacement.
- It isn’t just the cost of the currently needed repair that you should consider. How many previous repairs have been needed and what did they cost? If a system needs multiple repairs to different components over a short time period it could indicate that the system is approaching the end of its useful life and replacement could be appropriate.
Age of Your System
- A well-maintained system should last 10 to 20 years. As your system approaches 10 to 15 years, you should be considering a replacement.
- Newer systems are generally more energy-efficient. If you have seen a significant increase in the cost of utilities, that may be an indicator that a new system is in order.
- Just because your system is 10 years old doesn’t necessarily mean it’s in need of replacement. If it has been well maintained, and AC tune-ups have been made when needed, it may well provide you with a few more good years of service.
- Often the outdoor unit (heat pump or condenser) will fail prior to the indoor unit (air handler or furnace) because it gets exposed to the outdoor elements.
Keeping Your Home Comfortable
- Have you made additions or changes to the interior walls of your home? Your AC system may no longer be sized properly for your home.
- Is your home heating and cooling uneven? Your system is not doing the job it should.
- Is your AC system just not getting the job of cooling your home done properly? Is it noisy? Does it seem to run all the time? If your family is not comfortable, it is time for a change.
Current Repairs Needed
- Your system has been dependable and trouble-free for many years, but now it needs major repairs. This could be the first costly repair needed but may not be the last. Do you really want to replace major parts on a system that may need more repairs soon?
- There are some repairs like excessive rust and corrosion that cannot be repaired. If your system is showing signs of physical deterioration, it may be time for a replacement.
- R22 refrigerant is an obsolete refrigerant that is difficult and costly to buy currently. If you have an R22 system and there is a significant leak in the system, there may not be any other option other than replacement depending on the availability and cost of replacement R22 refrigerant.
Future Plans
- If you plan to stay in your home for the foreseeable future, you will need to replace your unit at some point. Replace it now and get the benefits of greater operational efficiency and the comfort of reliability.
- If you plan to stay in your home for the foreseeable future, you will need to replace your unit at some point. Replace it now and get the benefits of greater operational efficiency and the comfort of reliability.
- If you are planning to sell your home soon, you might make the currently needed repairs and hope for the best. Or you might choose to replace your unit and make your home more marketable. You may recover the replacement cost with a higher home selling price.
Warranty
- Always check to see if your system is under warranty for any repairs that may be needed. If you do choose to replace your system, make sure you get a long-term warranty that will cover future repairs.
- Warranties can be voided if the unit has not received proper maintenance. No matter how new or old your existing system or replacement is, make sure it is properly maintained by professional service technicians for a longer and more efficient life.
Contact the service professionals at Semper Fi Heating and Cooling if you are not sure your system should be repaired or replaced. Price quotes are free and we can help you understand the cause of the problems you are having. If repair is the right decision for you, we can help. If replacement is a better choice, we can help with that as well.
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