Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner

A broken air conditioner is never expected, and can cause some stress if it goes down at the wrong time. It can also put a strain on your pocketbook. Determining if you need a simple repair or if a full replacement can be difficult, too, and there’s a lot of information out there. Here are some tips to figure out what the right decision is for you when it comes time to repair or replace an air conditioner.

How Efficient Is My Air Conditioner?

The first step for keeping your AC unit efficient is regular maintenance. Having your air conditioner checked out regularly can keep costs down and can keep things running at the proper rate. Every air conditioner has a SEER rating, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. That is a measure of efficiency that is determined by how much heat the unit removes compared to the amount of energy consumed.

Keeping updated parts can keep your system running more efficiently, but that doesn’t mean it will last forever. Older units tend to get outpaced by technology, meaning a new system is probably more efficient overall. Things like the SEER rating can help guide your decision on when to repair the unit or replace it. If the costs to repair are high, and you could save more on your monthly bill by installing a new unit, maybe replacement could be a better option.

What Are the Benefits of Repairing or Replacing?

Repairing a unit can be less expensive and can extend the life of your air conditioner. And there’s more to look at than just cost. Is your AC currently meeting your needs? If it’s making your house comfortable and doesn’t seem too noisy, maybe a repair is all it needs to extend its lifespan. Also, it’s important to look at how long you plan to remain in the home. If you’re not staying long-term, perhaps repairing the unit is the better option.

Replacing an air conditioner will likely make the system run more efficiently, and that could drive your monthly costs down. New AC units are also quieter, and with the increased efficiency, will likely make your house more comfortable. A new system probably will also come with a brand new warranty, giving you a little more peace of mind should something break down in the short term.

How Long Does an Air Conditioner Last?

It’s important to know how long you’ve had your current unit. Some AC units last for decades, while some might be malfunctioning just a few years after purchase. If you keep it properly maintained, an air conditioner should last 20 years or more. But that doesn’t’ just happen. The lifespan of an air conditioner is dependent on regular maintenance and upkeep.

Every AC unit is made up of a lot of different parts. Like anything, parts that get a lot of use tend to break down. A knowledgeable HVAC technician like those at NOW Heating & Air can identify which of those components are failing. Sometimes simply replacing a part that’s worn out or wearing out can bring the malfunctioning unit back to life. That can be much less expensive than replacing the whole thing.

However, depending on the age of your unit, finding replacement parts might be as expensive as replacing the whole unit. Older parts can sometimes be difficult to find, and some refrigerant replacements can no longer be found at all. Knowing how old your system is can go a long way in determining whether a replacement or repair is right for you.

NOW Heating & Air is your trusted air conditioner expert in Denver. It’s important to look at numerous variables when determining whether to repair or replace your air conditioner. For more questions on how to make an informed decision regarding your AC unit, reach out to them today.