How to Know Whether Your AC Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced

When your air conditioning is on the fritz, it can spell out a lot of problems for your home. Not only could your energy costs skyrocket, but your home could also be downright uncomfortable to live in. But how can you tell whether AC repair or AC replacement is the right move? Here are a few things to consider.

Air Conditioner Age

The age of your air conditioning unit should be the first indicator of whether AC repair or AC replacement is the right call. If your unit is only a few years old and is experiencing issues, then it’s probably a better idea to invest in the repairs so you can keep using that unit for many years to come. However, in the event that you have a unit that’s over 10 years old, HVAC repair is probably going to be the more cost-effective option. The older your unit gets, the more frequently you may need to invest in HVAC repairs. At the end of the day, paying for new AC installation services is going to cost you less than tackling one repair after another.

Repair History

When you’re weighing the benefits of AC repair versus AC replacement, it’s important to look at your unit’s history of repairs. As we discussed above, the older an HVAC unit gets, the more frequently it will likely need to be repaired. That being said, age isn’t the only factor in a unit’s repair history. If a newer unit that’s only a year or two old needs repairs every few months, the financial burden of keeping up those repairs just might not be feasible. Regardless of age, if your AC unit has a history of needing frequent repairs, it’s probably time to consider AC replacement.

Efficiency

This is a big one. New or old, frequently repaired or not, your AC unit’s efficiency can be a clear indicator of when something is wrong. If you notice your AC turning on more frequently or your home not cooling down as quickly as it used to, it’s time to call your AC technician and have the unit inspected. From there, they’ll be able to make a recommendation on whether you could get by with a simple repair or you need a full replacement.

Only around 42% of homeowners call a professional for AC repair. Unfortunately, not doing so could lead to problems down the line. Whether you need a simple repair or a full replacement, give us a call if you think something’s up with your AC.