Should You Repair Or Replace Your Air Conditioner?

tools San Marcos TX

While it’s not a decision homeowners are faced with often, choosing whether to replace or repair your air conditioner is an important decision. Not only are there many financial aspects to consider, but homeowners must also make judgments based on their specific home and how comfortable they want it to be.

Consider Current Repairs

When deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioning system, take a moment to look at two things: 1) has your air conditioner already had repairs before? If so, what was repaired and what did the repairs cost? And 2) how much will the required repairs cost this time?

If your air conditioner has needed repair before it may be a sign that it is nearing the end of its lifespan. In this case, it may be time to consider investing in a new unit. Additionally, if the cost of repairs for a unit exceeds fifty percent of its value and the unit is already several years old, it’s a good idea to consider upgrading to a new unit.

Look At The Age Of The Unit

One of the very first considerations to make when deciding if you should repair or replace your unit is its age. Most air conditioners are made to last, but it’s almost always recommended to replace units over ten years old if they are in need of repair.

The reason it’s a good idea to replace older units is because efficiency standards change through the years and a new unit will not only keep your home comfortable more easily, but will probably save you money on your electric bill as well. You can gauge your unit’s efficiency by checking what its SEER rating is.

Know The Efficiency Of Your Air Conditioner

As mentioned above, SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios) are a great way to determine the efficiency of your air conditioner. SEER ratings can change based on current federal standards, so comparing your unit’s current rating with the newest standards can tell you a lot about your unit.

You can probably also tell a little about your air conditioner’s efficiency on your own. Does your unit still keep your home cool? Is your electric bill high because your air conditioner has to run longer than usual to meet demands? This is usually a sign that it will need to be replaced.

Additional Variables

There are many variables to consider when deciding whether or not to replace your air conditioner. If you’re having trouble figuring out all of the different specifications to consider, here’s a helpful tool to give you a hand.

Other variables cannot be calculated numerically. If a financial situation requires waiting for a full replacement, your local HVAC company can always provide temporary repairs and advice when needed. If on the other hand you’re preparing for a large life event, such as retirement, and you’d prefer to have your system upgraded even if it still runs to avoid having to do so later, you can contact a technician to learn what the next steps you should take are.

Looking To Get Your Air Conditioning Unit Repaired Or Replaced In San Marcos TX? Contact AirOne Heating and Air Conditioning, A San Marcos HVAC Company, To Schedule An Appointment To Check Out Your System Today.