Should I Get My AC Unit Repaired or Replaced?
Emily
Learning that you need to buy a new air conditioner can be a big pain in the rear. After all, it’s a significant investment, and it requires time away from work to allow for its installation.
The alternative is to repair it, which can mean monetary savings up front and less of a burden. But how do you know if you can get away with a repair or if you should just bite the bullet and buy a new unit?
AC Repair vs AC Replacement
When you are trying to decide whether you should repair or replace your air conditioner, it’s important to take into account the long-term cost of your decision. A repair will be cheaper than purchasing a new unit, but is it worth it if you have to make repairs on a regular basis?
4 Reasons to Buy a New Air Conditioner
1. Energy bills keep going up. Newer air conditioners are more energy efficient. This is because the Environmental Protection Agency requires it. As a result, energy bills for newer units are lower compared to those produced by older air conditioners. An easy way to narrow down your search is to look for air conditioners with the Energy Star logo.
2. AC keeps breaking down. Regular HVAC maintenance is necessary to ensure that your air conditioner runs as efficiently as possible and that it lasts as long as it should. This maintenance includes frequently changing air filters, washing condenser coils, and having a technician inspect the entire system at least once a year. However, even if you follow all of these preventive steps, at some point, wear and tear are going to cause an air conditioner to start breaking down. If it breaks down on a regular basis, purchasing a new unit will be more cost efficient.
3. Refrigerant leaks. Refrigerant leaks are a dangerous issue since the fumes are poisonous. Clear indications that you have a leak include: a hissing sound when your AC is running, the condenser unit (the portion of your AC that is outside your home) is covered in frost, your AC is not cooling and your energy bills are unusually high. If all of these signs apply to you, call for HVAC service immediately.
4. Your air conditioner is between 15 and 20 years old. The average lifespan of an air conditioner is between 15 and 20 years. If you provide your AC with regular maintenance, it’ll likely last toward the higher end of that scale. However, at some point, you’ll have to throw in the towel and upgrade.
New AC Size and SEER Rating
If you make the decision to buy, speak with an HVAC technician to help you determine the correct size, SEER rating, and BTUs (British Thermal Units) necessary to properly cool your home.
The technician will take into account the following factors before advising you on the best models for your home:
Square footage
Size of your family
Type of insulation in your home
While well-intentioned friends may pipe in with suggestions, only a certified HVAC professional will be able to determine the best type of air conditioner for your home.
Call our HVAC Professionals at A Plus Air Conditioning for AC Repair or Replacement Services
No matter the issue with your air conditioner, we can assist. We provide services throughout north central Florida. And because we understand that a working air conditioner is essential in Florida, we offer 24/7 AC emergency service.
Call (352) 374-4988 or submit a form and let us help you choose the best air conditioning unit for your home.