Is It Time to Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner?

An air conditioner is something we don’t think a whole lot about – until it stops working the way it used to. When that happens, you want to take action fast to keep your home comfortable, especially when the heat is beating down. The best way to handle the situation is to bring out an HVAC technician to repair the air conditioner.

However, sometimes the problem is major and a massive repair is needed. This can lead to a need to decide between repairing or replacing your air conditioner. If you’re at this juncture, you probably wonder what the best option is. This article will help you make the right decision.

Questions to Ask Before Making a Decision

If you’re curious whether you should have your air conditioner repaired or replaced, there are a few questions you can ask yourself to come to a decision.

First, how often does your air conditioning unit tend to break down? You should be having maintenance done on an annual basis, but most people won’t need additional service throughout the year. If you notice that you need regular repairs, this could be a sign that a new air conditioner is the best option.

Is your system matched? This refers to having an indoor air handler or furnace and an outdoor condensing unit or air conditioner. When you replace one part of the system but not the other, it can damage the efficiency and make damage more likely. If the air conditioner needs to be replaced, replacing the furnace is also a good idea in this situation.

How much money are you open to spending? Repairs tend to be less expensive than a full replacement. This isn’t always true but it will be in the vast majority of cases. Think about what’s in your budget and whether a replacement is an option for you.

When to Repair and When to Replace

One of the things to consider is how old the air conditioner is. If it’s been in use for a decade or more, a replacement tends to be the better option. As the AC ages, it’s more likely to break down and some parts may no longer be available as time goes on. If the parts are not being made, replacement becomes the only option.

On the other hand, repairs may be possible in other situations. Regular maintenance and repairs can keep your air conditioner in good shape for years. However, if the cost of the repair is nearly as much as a replacement, going for the latter tends to be the better option.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of factors that go into whether you should replace your air conditioning unit or have a repair done. The best thing you can do is speak with experts in the field to get their advice. Whether you need a full replacement or a simple repair, you can be sure you have made the right decision. Reach out today to ask questions or have someone visit your home for AC repair or replacement.