An air conditioner that breaks down frequently often forces the homeowner to make a difficult choice between repairing the AC or replacing it. This decision is not always easy to make as our nature forces us to go with the cheaper option, which may not always be the best one under the circumstances. When making this critical decision, there are certain factors that you have to consider. Based on them, you can make the most suitable choice.
Repair Your AC Or Replace Your AC
This, my dear, is a question or a conundrum that can make even the best ones go around in circles. The question does not have a correct answer as the answer will change situation to situation. So here are those key factors that will help you make the right decision.
1. Age Of The AC – In optimal conditions, an AC can run for 15 to 20 years. But optimal conditions are extremely hard to find. Therefore, the average lifespan of an AC is usually 10 to 15 years, provided that it receives timely and regular annual maintenance. If your AC is already approaching this benchmark figure, it may be wise to think that quite soon, it will be time to replace. The question that you need to ask yourself at this time is whether you want to ward off that occurrence for some more time by opting for a repair, or you’d rather do away with the need for repair and replace the air conditioner. In the long run, replacing an aging unit is a wiser decision and a better investment. We say so because the repair of an old unit is not always a guarantee that it will not give any further problems. Problems may occur, and that too frequently, piling up the repair bills.
2. What’s Not Working – The most logical thing is first to figure out what is not working in the AC or where does the fault lie. If its a relatively inexpensive component, repair makes more sense. Electrical faults usually lie in this category. So even when things appear to be grim, they may not be so. However, if the faulty component is expensive, like the compressor, it is better to go with the replacement option. It stands especially true if your cooling system is old and outdated. Then there may be some issues that could swing either way, for example, refrigerant leak. Fixing one or two sources of leaks in the coil is easy, but if the entire coil has fallen prey to corrosion, the same procedure becomes not just time-consuming but expensive as well. Ultimately, you need to figure out the most financially viable option. In the case of old units needing expensive repair, we strongly recommend replacement.
3. Frequency Of Repairs – If your AC needs frequent repairs, it does not mean that you need to replace it. Always go for a second opinion. There is always a chance that the quality of the repair was not up to the standard. There is also a possibility that the problem was not diagnosed correctly and hence, the need for continuous repairs. At such a time, changing the technician or the contractor will bring in a fresh perspective and may resolve the issue without the need for replacement. However, if that, too, does not work, your only remaining option is to replace the AC. Then again, its a matter of managing your finances to bear the expenditure of purchasing and installing the new unit. So, the final decision rests on whether you can manage the replacement expense immediately or not.
4. Cost Of Repairs – If the total cost of repairs for your AC in a year is high, there is no point in spending more doing the same. But what exactly constitutes the high cost of repair? Well, it isn’t a fixed dollar value as what is high for one person may not be so for another. A new AC can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $7,000. So, first, get an estimate of how much a new AC will cost, and that does not include ductwork and such. After that, it’s a simple formula:
Total Cost Of Repairs x The Age Of The AC (in years) < Cost Of New AC
As long as the repair cost multiplied by the age of your AC in years is less than the cost of a new AC, it’s fine to repair your AC. However, when it becomes more, it’s time to replace your AC.
5. Unit’s Energy Efficiency – The newer models of air conditioners in the market are far more energy-efficient than the older ones. Even if your old AC is working fine, but your energy bills show an incremental trend without the electricity company having changed its rates, you may need to rethink your options. The energy savings rendered by the new units is simply astounding. The amount you save each month on the utility bills will become a substantial figure by the year-end more than validating the need for replacement. If your AC is more than 10 years old, it makes all the more sense to think seriously about replacement. You will not only save on the cost of repairs but also get significant savings in the power bill making up for the expense of new AC.
The Final Verdict
The final verdict on replace the AC or repair the AC is in your own hands. The experts at Aztil Air Conditioning recommend replacement of AC if the air conditioner is old, asking for frequent repairs, not cooling the home properly, and increasing your power bills. For some reason, if you cannot bear such a big expense immediately, you can tide over for some time by going for repair. Though that will only be a short term respite. Yet another way around is to look for finance options. Most reputed and established contractors have quite attractive finance options to suit everyone’s pockets.
In case you are a resident of West Palm Beach, Florida, and need further information or a second opinion regarding any issues with your air conditioner, feel free to contact us at +1-888-729-8452. We are available 24/7 and will look forward to helping you.
