When your air conditioner in South Beloit and Belvidere breaks down, it can be tricky to know if it’s an occasion for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a greater option for the long term. The answer isn’t similar for every homeowner. E.g., a system that has been taken care of could be a smarter candidate for an AC repair because it will probably have a longer existence than another system that hasn’t been maintained. Many other influences should be thought about on top of to this. We’ve got some questions that can help direct you.
How old is your system and how often are you repairing it?
The age of your air conditioner is a huge factor in your choice to call for an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Older systems usually don’t operate as efficiently as they did when they were new—and particularly not as effectively as a new, energy-efficient model. Actually, you could reduce your energy consumption by more than you may know if you swap out your older system with a new, energy-efficient unit. In many circumstances, this savings will justify investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can vary based on your specific equipment and how well it’s been maintained, but Energy Star proposes upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your present-day central air conditioner is greater than 10 years old.
Past your unit’s age, check out your AC repair history. If your system has stopped working several times, it’s probable to fail again—this situation can end up costing you more money in the long term. When you take into account potential rebates and increased efficiency, is a new system going to be more lucrative in the end?
Many technicians advise following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, replace the system. If it’s less, try the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house comfortable enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t keeping up.
- Are your energy bills increasing without extra usage? This is a indication 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. Likewise, if you’ve not long ago taken measures to make your home more energy efficient, your system can in fact be larger than you need to cool a very efficient home.
If you’re not sure if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to think about a replacement, Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can help! Our experts can help you establish how much life lingers in your system and what the ideal option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 877-389-2465 to setup an appointment for us to come out.