When your air conditioner in Justin breaks down, it can be difficult to know if it’s an occasion for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a smarter option for the future. The answer isn’t similar for every homeowner. E.g., a system that has been taken care of could be a smarter candidate for an AC repair because it will almost certainly have a longer existence than another system that hasn’t been upheld. Many other influences should be taken into account in addition to this. We’ve got some questions that can help direct you.
How old is your system and how often are you repairing it?
The age of your air conditioner is a big factor in your choice to call for an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don’t function as well as they did when they were new—and particularly not as effectively as a new, energy-efficient model. Actually, you could decrease your energy consumption by more than you may think if you replace your outdated system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Most often, this savings will support investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can change based on your specific equipment and how well it’s been taken care of, but Energy Star advises upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your existing central air conditioner is greater than 10 years old.
Past your unit’s age, check out your AC repair history. If your system has stopped working several times, it’s prone to break down again—this scenario can end up costing you more money in the long run. When you consider possible rebates and enhanced efficiency, is a new system going to be more economical in the future?
Many technicians advise following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your system by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, exchange the system. If it’s less, go for the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house comfortable enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t running well.
- Are your energy bills going up without increased usage? This is a indication that your air conditioner is on the fritz.
- Is your system properly sized? If your system is too small for your home, it can’t run efficiently. Just the same, if you’ve just taken measures to make your home more energy efficient, your system can in fact be larger than you need to cool a very efficient home.
If you’re not sure if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to think about a replacement, Pepper AC & Htg Inc can help! Our experts can help you establish how much life lingers in your system and what the ideal option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 940-202-1184 to setup an appointment for us to check it out.