Your air conditioner has been acting up lately, and you know it is time to do something about it. You just aren’t quite sure what that something is. Perhaps repairing the unit will get it back in good working order. Maybe you would be better off replacing it instead. Thinking through the pros and cons of air conditioner repair vs. replacement on your own may leave your head spinning.
Let our handy guide help you decide the next step for your air conditioning unit.
Unit Age
One of the first things to consider when it comes to air conditioner replacement is the age of your current setup. For an older system, replacement is almost always the best option. Air conditioners do not last forever. Repairing an older unit will not give you decades, but it extends the life of the unit by a few more years. Starting fresh with a replacement system might be the best choice, depending on your needs.
In general, most air conditioners are ready for replacement when they are between 10 and 20 years old. Homeowners commonly get about 15 years out of them. Still, if you are facing significant repairs for a 10-year-old unit, you may want to go ahead and install a new AC instead.
Current Repair Costs
Many homeowners are not interested in spending thousands on an air conditioner repair, only to need a full replacement a few years later. Opting for a new installation now could spare you that trouble. The more expensive your AC repair is going to be, the more appealing replacement becomes.
Only you can decide how much you are willing to spend on cooling repairs right now. A general rule of thumb, though, is that you should multiply the cost of the repair by the age of the unit in years. If the total is more than $5,000, then replacement is the better choice in the long run.
Your Budget
While it is a good idea to weigh the age of the air conditioner against the cost of the repairs, you may have a strict budget to which you must stick. If the price of a new air conditioner is well beyond your limit, then you need to do what works for you right now. The lesser repair fee may have to hold you over until you can save up for a new unit.
Keep in mind, though, that you might not need to pay the full cost of air conditioner installation upfront. You may qualify for financing on approved credit. With financing, you can spread the cost of an air conditioner over multiple months. That could put a new unit within reach without straining your budget. Consider your financing options before automatically ruling out the idea of a new air conditioner.
Recent Repair Needs
Constantly calling your AC company to schedule repairs can feel defeating. It may seem like as soon as one thing is fixed, another goes wrong. Peace of mind is hard to come by when you always have the nagging sense that another repair is just around the corner. When the Nashua forecast calls for days on end of soaring temperatures, your heart may sink, just sure that’s when your AC will go out again.
While we at Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. are always ready to provide prompt and effective air conditioner service, we understand that repeated repairs are not ideal. If you have faced multiple repairs in the recent past, it may be time to break the cycle with a new air conditioner.
Protection Against Future Repair Costs
The cost of constant AC repairs adds up. While air conditioner replacement is a significant expense, it may save you money in the long run. For one thing, you are less likely to need as many repairs. Plus, professionally installed new units usually come with a warranty. If something goes wrong, you may not need to cover the full cost out of pocket. Rather, you can count on the warranty to reduce your repair expenses. Knowing that an impending repair charge is not hanging over your head can be a big relief!
Previous Maintenance Choices
Air conditioners do best when they receive annual tune-ups from heating and cooling professionals. If you have kept up with that practice, a repair could keep your system going for several more years. If you haven’t been scheduling annual maintenance, you may not get as many years out of your AC as you’d hoped. Putting in a new air conditioner would be a chance to start fresh. Going forward, you can care for your system by prioritizing yearly visits before the start of the cooling season.
Interest in Updated Technology
Air conditioner technology is always improving. You may be surprised to learn what has changed since you last purchased an air conditioner. Increased efficiency could be one noteworthy benefit, and that increased efficiency will bring with it lower energy bills. Improved cooling control is another. There are also air conditioners on the market with specialized filtration options, such as built-in air purifiers. When putting in a new air conditioner, you might also want to switch to a smart thermostat. With that, you can control your system remotely and program a personalized cooling schedule.
Environmental Considerations
The increased efficiency of newer air conditioners means they consume fewer resources as they operate. As a result, they are better for the environment. In addition, refrigerant technologies have changed over the years. If you have an older air conditioner, it may use a type of refrigerant that can present an environmental risk. Newer systems use upgraded refrigerants that are better for the planet.
Safety Hazards
No matter how much you might prefer repairs, there are some situations where that option is absolutely off the table. Some air conditioner problems cannot be safely fixed. For your health and well-being, you need a new unit. For example, if your air conditioner presents a fire hazard, you will need to replace it as soon as possible. Refrigerant leaks are another health concern with air conditioners. While most can be repaired, it is not uncommon for that to be only a temporary fix.
Expert Insight
While this guide is packed with useful tips for weighing air conditioner repair vs. replacement, there’s nothing compared to professional insight. The experts at Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. can help. At Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc., we have years of experience in caring for air conditioners in the Nashua area. Our technicians will examine your system and inquire about your air conditioning preferences. Then, we can make personalized recommendations about whether repairing your system or upgrading to a new unit is the best choice for your household.
Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. is a leader in Nashua air conditioner care. Your system will be in good hands with our experienced repair technicians. We are leaders in AC maintenance and installation as well. Whether you need repair, replacement or a routine tune-up, we invite you to join the community of satisfied Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. customers. Call today to schedule your Nashua-area appointment with Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc.!
