If your AC unit makes odd sounds, refuses to cool your house, or is constantly broken down, you may be at a crossroads. Should you repair your old unit or replace it with another? In this article, we’ll find when to repair or replace your AC unit.
Replace: 15 Years or Older
A good indication as to if you should repair or replace your AC unit is if it’s old. An AC unit that is 15 years or older should be replaced. At that point, the parts it possesses are old. Even if they have been regularly maintained, it’s likely that the parts it uses aren’t made as often.
The first tell-tale sign that you need to replace your AC unit revolves around the unit’s age. If an AC unit is 15 years or older, it is important to replace the unit. An aging unit causes two main issues. First, parts become increasingly hard to find if needed. Second, your unit’s age has a direct effect on its efficiency. Older units no longer comply with the current energy efficiency standards set by the United States Department of Energy. Newer models run more efficiently, save energy, and run quieter.
Replace: High Repair Costs Compared to Value
A second example of when you should opt to fully replace your unit is when the cost of the repair outweighs the cost of a new unit. While some repairs may be pricey, it really comes down to the value of the AC unit. If the unit is older, then the repair cost may be higher than what the unit is actually worth. Simply, updating your unit saves you the constant repair struggle.
In other cases, if the unit is brand new, then it might be worth it to have it repaired instead of replaced. The decision down to what the unit is worth. In some cases, it may just be cheaper to replace the unit rather than having it repaired.
Replace: Energy Bills Increasing
Another indicator that it’s time to replace the unit is if your energy bills are increasing. A malfunctioning or old unit will take a heavy toll on your energy bill. A struggling unit will take more energy to cool or heat your home than it previously would beforehand. When your power bill begins to skyrocket during the blistering summer, a new unit’s energy efficiency becomes increasingly attractive and will pay for itself within a matter of a few months in some cases.
Repair: Younger AC Units
In most cases, units that are roughly 10 years old or less should be repaired. Often, warranties are still valid, fixes are simple, and factories still produce the necessary parts. Some faulty units do exist, but warranty coverage can save the day. To catch these issues before they become serious problems, take advantage of Hammock’s AC maintenance plans.
Repair: Small Problems
Sometimes all your AC unit needs is a new filter. The problem may seem like a big one, but after a thorough search by a professional, the problem may be as simple as needing to replace a belt or the filter. In this case, the obvious choice is to just repair the unit rather than buy a new one.
Any More Questions?
If you have any questions involving how to best cool or heat your home, call Hammock’s AC and speak with one of our seasoned technicians. We can inform, inspect, or repair any cooling or heating system in most cases quickly. We’ll help create the best solution for your home. Remember, we’re not comfortable until you are!
