Should I Repair or Replace my AC Unit?

There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioning unit, and there are isn't one clear cut answer. In general, experts agree you have to balance the cost of repairs and age of the unit against the cost of a new system.

Three basic considerations to keep in mind when making the decision of whether to replace or purchase a new air conditioning system include:

  • Life expectancy
  • Efficiency
  • Current condition

Taking all three into consideration and balancing them out can help you come to a decision. Experts say if any one of these three items is a problem, it is time to start planning for a new one. If two are a problem, it is definitely time to change.

Life expectancy: Most units are built to last 10 to 12 years, and some do last longer. So if you have a repair bill of $500 but it is only one year old, it might be good to get the pair done, but if it were 10 years old, it might be time to get a new one. You can add years to the life of the unit with good maintenance practices. Some say if the repair is half the value of the unit, you should replace it, but it is nearly impossible to figure out the value of a system already in use.

Efficiency: The efficiency is how well the unit is operating. New units are more efficient, and use less energy, so that will save you money. An older unit will have trouble cooling the area needed over time as well. At some point your bills will get higher, and getting a new one will lower the bills. Even if you keep an older unit in great shape, it will not be more efficient than what it was built to be.

Current condition: The current condition is related to the age; consider the air quality it is producing. Whether it is having frequent breakdowns is also a measure of its condition, or if it is even a well working unit is a basic consideration. The quality of the unit itself should also be considered; a cheaper quality unit may not be worth replacing as much as a better quality unit would.

For expert advice on if you should repair or replace your AC unit contact Mr. Furnace today. We are your cooling and heating contractor experts, and have a track record of successful AC and furnace repairs. Contact us today!