When your air conditioner begins to have problems, you may be weighing your options between repair vs replacement. It can be difficult to know which one is the better choice.
Sometimes, a repair can buy more time with your existing air conditioner, even if it’s just through the end of the current season. But other times, repairs are futile because you really need a complete system replacement instead.
When you need help with your air conditioning, our team is here to help. We are experts in the area and we can help with anything from the smallest repair needs to the largest system replacement. Keep reading to learn when you want to repair vs replace your AC.
When to Repair Your AC
Newer AC
If your air conditioner is less than 8 years old, repair may be a better investment. You likely still have at least 5-7 years of life in your AC if it is well-maintained. Plus, your repair needs may be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty if it’s newer.
Less Expensive Repairs
If repairs for your AC are not going to break the bank, then it’s probably a wise investment. Any repairs that you can make early on in the life of your air conditioner will lengthen its lifespan. When you invest in small repair needs, you prevent larger problems later on. Examples of less expensive repairs include replacing fan belts and other smaller internal components.
When to Replace Your AC
Older AC
If your air conditioner is older than 10 years, it may be time to consider a replacement. Anything that goes wrong is likely not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Plus, your AC is in the second half of its life and replacement will be needed sooner, rather than later.
More Expensive Repairs
When you receive a repair estimate that is thousands of dollars, that can be alarming. Usually, this indicates that something major is wrong with your AC. You have to consider whether or not your air conditioner will last long enough for this repair to be worth it.
If there’s a chance that you’ll have to replace your AC in the next few years, it may be better to go ahead and make the replacement now, instead of investing in a very expensive repair. An example of this is if your air compressor needs to be replaced.
Safety
You also want to take safety into consideration. If there is a major problem with electrical components or wiring, that can be a red flag. The problems may extend beyond the issue at hand. If a repair will not completely fix the problem, you don’t want to put a Band-Aid on these types of issues. Safety is always our top priority, and if we have any concerns while servicing your AC, we’ll discuss them with you.
You also want to consider what type of refrigerant your AC uses. Many older air conditioners use a refrigerant called R-22 that has been discontinued because of its negative impact on the environment. We may not even be able to make repairs to some portions of these air conditioners because of the refrigerant issue. For example, we cannot recharge R-22, and replacing the refrigerant and accompanying lines may be more expensive than what it’s worth.
Serving St. Johns County since 1988 with quality, hometown service. The Climate Masters team can help with all your AC needs, so give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
