Air Conditioner Repair or Replacement, Which One Is Better?
Posted by Sumant JHA
HVAC Basics
Your air conditioner has a big job keeping your home cool and comfortable during those Northern California summers. It’s also a big investment, so it’s natural for you to consider getting the most time out of your current unit, instead of buying a new one.
But which is best for you? There are numerous factors that go into repairing your current unit or replacing it completely, including warranties, repair costs, your unit’s age and condition, the efficiency, and more.
Fortunately, the professional AC technicians at Moore Home Services are here to give you advice on choosing air conditioner repair or replacement.
Important Considerations
How Long Are You Staying at the Specific Home?
Maybe you know you’re planning to upgrade (or downsize) to a different home in the near future, or you’re moving to a different area for work or family. Either way, there’s little benefit to replacing your air conditioner with a new one if you’ll be relocating in the near future.
Even if your AC system is older and nearing the end of its life, it’s best to wait until you move to get a new system. You’ll want to choose something for your new home, rather than replacing your AC now. In addition, making sure that your current system, if kept well-maintained could add value to your home.
If you’re planning on living in your current home for the foreseeable future, investing in a new AC system with an extended warranty is a worthwhile investment. This is especially true if your current system is getting older and needing frequent repairs.
How Old is My AC Unit?
Most AC units have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, but you can get more out of it if you keep it well-maintained.
If your AC unit is 10 years old or older, in need of frequent repairs, or the warranty is expired, it may make sense to replace it with a newer and more efficient AC system.
If your AC unit is less than 10 years old, in good conditions, and well-maintained, you may want to get as much time as you can out of it. Small repairs may be worth it in the long run, as long as you’re not shelling out multiple times the cost of a replacement unit.
What Are the Costs of My Energy Bills?
Maintenance is important for your AC unit, but it’s not the only factor in its performance.
AC units have a SEER rating to measure energy efficiency. In the 90s, AC units needed a SEER rating of 10, but this has since gone up. Modern AC units must have a SEER rating of 20 or greater. So, the newer the system is, the better its efficiency.
If you notice a spike in your energy bills, investing in a new AC unit can pay off in the long run. You should also consider the size of your home, which can impact your energy bills. If your unit is too big or too small for your home, it could cause stress to the system and a rise in your energy bills.
Does My Current AC Meet My Needs?
Getting the right size AC unit for your home is one of the most important factors in energy efficiency and comfort. Your AC unit should be as close to the appropriate size for your home as possible – a unit that is too large and too small can have a negative impact on efficiency.
A system that’s too large requires more energy than necessary to keep your home cool, and it can’t dehumidify like it should. If the system is too small, it runs harder than necessary and still struggles to maintain the ideal temperature.
Even if your AC unit is new, it’s best to replace it if it’s not the right size for your home. Otherwise, you could be dealing with high energy bills, ineffective cooling, and a shorter lifespan for your system.
If you’re not sure what size is right for you, consult a professional HVAC technician like Moore Home Services. We’ll consider all the factors in cooling your home, including the size and climate, to ensure you get the most efficient cooling.
When You Should Choose Air Conditioner Repair
With AC units running for a decade or more, you don’t want to simply replace a newer system if it needs repairs. It’s important to consider the cost of the repairs, however, and other factors.
When the cost of repairs gets overwhelming, it’s definitely time to consider a new unit. However, a small repair here or there isn’t too much cause for concern.
When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner
Keep in mind that small repairs can add up, so it doesn’t need to be a bill worth thousands of dollars to warrant replacement. No one wants to lose the money they put into repairs, but sometimes, it’s worthwhile to cut your losses if your unit is costing you money in frequent repairs and breakdowns.
Looking to replace your current AC system or hire a pro for AC maintenance and repairs? Contact the experts at Moore Home Services.