Should I replace or repair my air conditioner?

It isn’t easy to know if it’s time to replace or repair your air conditioner, or whether you should keep putting money into repairs on your current unit. If you have an aging air conditioner that you’ve had to repair more frequently, you’re probably relieved at the end of every summer.

The best thing to do is to check with a trusted pro before you decide to repair or replace your HVAC unit to save time and money. But we are going to go over some general tips to help you know whether you should just give your HVAC unit a tune-up, or it’s time to get a new unit altogether. While there’s no hard-and-fast rule, there are some important considerations to keep in mind as you make your decision.

Should You Replace or Repair Your Air Conditioner?

Making the right call now can save you money for years to come, so let’s walk through the factors that matter most.

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When to Repair your HVAC:

• It’s less than 10 years old. Consider the age of your HVAC when deciding to repair or replace. The National Association of Home Builders estimates that the average lifespan of an HVAC system should be between 10-15 years. Of course, that’s not to say that an HVAC system can’t fail before then, but if yours is less than 10 years old, it’s probably cheaper to have it repaired than to buy a new one. Whatever’s wrong with your HVAC should be a minor fix unless it’s over 10 years old.

• Check the ductwork. A lot of HVAC issues don’t necessarily have to do with the unit, but the duct work. In fact, 10 to 30 percent of the air leaks out before it even gets to your home, so a check of the ductwork can save you big bucks. Having a professional check your ducts and seal any gaps can make your HVAC run more efficiently and is a relatively cheap fix.

• You’ve performed regular maintenance. If you’ve had your HVAC system checked and maintained over the years, you shouldn’t have any major problems. Simply clearing your unit of debris, dust, and dirt, and having regular tune-ups should save you from major problems like failure or inefficiency. Make HVAC maintenance part of your spring and fall checklists and you’ll save time and money.

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When to Replace your HVAC:

• It’s more than 15 years old. Once your HVAC system is nearing its 15th birthday, it’s also nearing the end of its lifespan. Sure, you could fix whatever’s causing it to malfunction, but chances are that you’ll just have another issue crop up next season. The components in your HVAC start to age and malfunction, which means it might be cheaper to just replace the unit than to pay for repairs year after year. It’s a big investment, sure, but it also means a new, more efficient unit.

• You notice higher energy bills. Feel like you’re suddenly paying more for heating and air? If you get sticker shock every time you open your heating and cooling bills, it might be your HVAC’s fault. As systems age, they simply become less efficient. That means your HVAC is working overtime to heat and cool your home, which means it costs more to run. Calculate out how much extra you’re paying in energy bills and you’ll probably find it’s less expensive to get a new unit. Look for a new system that has earned the ENERGY STAR label to maximize your efficiency savings.

• Your unit isn’t doing its job. If you notice that some of the rooms in your house are never as comfortable as they should be, it could be an inefficient HVAC unit. If it’s malfunctioning or aging, it means it can’t keep up with the demands of your home. In the summer, some rooms feel hot or you notice that the unit is running day and night to keep you cool. In the winter, you might notice that you’re always cold or constantly cranking up your thermostat. Keep comfortable by installing a newer, more efficient unit and your home will be more comfortable.

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HVAC Repair or Replace Calculation

Knowing whether to repair or replace your HVAC unit comes down to cost. An easy calculation to make if you’re not sure is to get an estimate for HVAC repair. To find out if you should repair or replace an HVAC system, multiply the age of your existing unit by the cost of the repair. If the total is more than $5,000, you’re better off replacing the system than repairing it. Age matters too: even if a repair estimate falls under that threshold, replacing a 12-15 year old system is often the smarter long-term move once you factor in efficiency gains and the risk of another repair call soon after. When in doubt, it rarely hurts to get a second opinion and a written estimate before committing to either option.

Still have questions? Talk to an HVAC expert.

Your best option is to consult a local HVAC professional like Xtreme Air Services. Your HVAC system might not be the most exciting part of your home, but it definitely makes the biggest difference in your comfort levels. Take good care of your HVAC with regular maintenance and it’ll be easier to tell when to repair or replace the workhorse of your home. Give us a call today to discuss HVAC repair or replacement options – 972-288-2263