Should you repair or replace your air conditioner? Although it may seem cheaper in the short run, repair can cost more over time than replacement. Here are some factors to consider about repair vs. replacement.
How Old Is Your AC Unit?
If your system is over ten years old, replacement is probably a cost-effective choice. The average lifespan of a cooling system is 8-12 years. After that, it will almost always cost more to repair than to replace.
Repairs will become more costly and breakdowns will occur more often. Replacement parts may be expensive, discontinued, or hard to find. If parts are available, you might have to wait while they’re shipped.
Has Your Air Conditioner Received Proper Maintenance?
A cooling system that gets regular maintenance can last for 12 years. But if it’s been poorly maintained or not serviced at all, it probably won’t last more than eight years, if that.
What’s The Condition Of Your Cooling System?
When considering repair vs. replacement, evaluate the quality of your present system. Is it a high-quality brand like Carrier? A cheap AC system will not last as long as an AC system made by a top manufacturer.
Has the unit needed many repairs in the past? An air conditioning system that requires frequent repairs is likely to need even more repairs in the future. You can opt to restore a system that’s in poor condition, but it can cost almost as much as a new system.
How Efficient Is Your Air Conditioner?
Are energy bills increasing every month? Is cooling uneven with some rooms too hot and others too cold? Is your AC not keeping you as comfortable as it used to? Is there high indoor humidity? These are all signs of inefficient AC operation. An inefficient system will consume more energy and deliver less cool air.
If you have your AC system restored, its efficiency will not compare to the efficiencies of systems manufactured today. It will only return the unit to the efficiency level it had when you bought it. Replacing the system, on the other hand, can increase efficiency by over 50 percent.
Are There Symptoms Of Faulty AC Operation?
If your system is making strange noises, it’s probably not operating properly. Other red flags are when the unit blows warm air, takes longer to blow cool air or has weak airflow.
Benefits Of High-Efficiency Air Conditioner Replacement
AC repair vs. replacement is a decision only you can make. But if your system is old and inefficient, replacing it will almost always cost less over time than repairing it. With an energy-efficient AC upgrade from McWilliams & Son Heating and Air Conditioning, you can save enough in monthly energy bills to offset the cost of replacement.
You may also qualify for money-saving benefits such as:
- 25C federal tax credits
- Manufacturer’s rebates
- Dealer discounts
- State, local and utility rebates
Serving Lufkin and Nacogdoches, TX, McWilliams & Son Heating and Air Conditioning Call us to learn more about energy-efficient Carrier AC systems and our budget-friendly financing plans.
