Repair or Replace Air Conditioner?

Some air conditioning problems can be solved with a simple repair, while others require a complete air conditioning replacement. How do  you know if your system needs to be replaced or repaired? There are several tips for determining whether you should repair or replace your air conditioning system.

You Should Replace Your System If It Is Older Than 15 Years

On average, air conditioning units last around 10-15 years. Once they reach this point, they may require lots of minor repairs. Repairing the system now may actually cost you more in the long run. In order to save money and avoid stress in the future, it is a good idea to replace your system entirely if it is 15 years old or more. This will allow you to enjoy the benefits of a new, energy efficient system that won’t break down every few months.

You Should Replace Your System If the Cost of Repairs Is Too High

There is a simple equation you can use to determine if the cost of repairs is greater than the cost of replacement. You can multiply the cost of repairs with the age of your air conditioner, and if that number is greater than the cost of replacement, you should go ahead and replace the system. On the other hand, if that number is less than the cost of replacement, you should just repair it instead.

For example, if the cost to repair your air conditioner is $500, and the unit is 15 years old, you can multiply this number to get 7,500. If the cost to completely replace the system is under $7,500, then you should replace it. However, if the cost of replacement is more than $7,500, you should just repair it. This is a handy trick that will help you decide whether to replace the system entirely or just repair it.

You Should Replace Your System If It Is Raising Your Energy Bills

Over time, your system can become corroded. This will prevent it from working efficiently, which can cause unnecessarily high energy bills. While a minor repair may provide a remedy for newer systems, replacing an older unit can help you save money on energy bills each month.

Pros & Cons of Repairing Your Unit

Pros: Repairing your air conditioner is generally less expensive up front than replacing it entirely. It will allow you to fix the problem in a timely manner so you can enjoy a fully functional system.

Cons: Repairing your air conditioner may only provide a temporary solution if the system is older. As the air conditioner ages, it will require more and more repairs, which can quickly add up. In this situation, repairing the system is actually more expensive than replacing it entirely.

Pros & Cons of Replacing Your Unit

Pros: Replacing your system will let you avoid lots of minor issues in the future. It will also help you save money on energy bills, and will let you have peace of mind knowing your system is durable and functional.

Cons: Replacing your air conditioner is generally more expensive up front than repairing it. It may also take more time to replace the system entirely than to simply repair a minor issue.

We Can Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner

R & S Mechanical provides timely air conditioning services for our customers. If your air conditioner is malfunctioning, our Raleigh HVAC technicians will provide honest estimates and discuss your options for repairing or replacing it. If you decide to replace it, we can install a variety of models and brands to meet your individual needs. We are dedicated to your complete satisfaction, and our team will clean up after ourselves when the job is done.

Contact us today to discuss your situation with a member of our team.