When your air conditioner in Reinholds breaks down, it can be hard to know if it’s a sign for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a greater option for the long run. The answer isn’t identical for every homeowner. For example, a system that has been serviced regularly could be a better candidate for an AC repair because it will almost certainly have a longer lifespan than another system that hasn’t been maintained. Many other aspects should be thought about on top of to this. We’ve got some questions that can help guide you.
How old is your system and how often are you repairing it?
The age of your air conditioner is a big factor in your verdict to arrange an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don’t run as well as they did when they were new—and particularly not as effectively as a new, energy-efficient model. In reality, you could reduce your energy consumption by more than you may know if you swap out your outdated system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Most often, this savings will rationalize investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can change based on your exact equipment and how well it’s been maintained, but Energy Star proposes upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your current central air conditioner is greater than 10 years old.
Outside your unit’s age, check out your AC repair history. If your system has failed several times, it’s prone to stop working again—this situation can end up costing you more money in the long run. When you take into account potential rebates and improved efficiency, is a new system going to be more cost-effective in the future?
Many professionals recommend following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your system by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, exchange the system. If it’s less, go for the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house comfortable enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t running well.
- Are your energy bills spiking without extra usage? This is a sign that your air conditioner is on the fritz.
- Is your system properly sized? If your equipment is too small for your home, it can’t run efficiently. Also, if you’ve recently worked to make your home more energy efficient, your system can in fact be bigger than you need to cool a very efficient home.
If you’re unclear about if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to get a replacement, County Line Mechanical LLC can help! Our professionals can help you determine how much life remains in your system and what the top option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 717-216-0846 to setup an appointment for us to come out.