Is your air conditioner broken again?
Anytime an appliance in your home breaks down, you’re faced with the same question: is it worth your money to repair it, or should you just replace it?
This question rarely has a clear-cut yes or no answer. Several factors affect whether it’s worthwhile to fix your old unit or invest in a new one. If you’re torn between the two, consider the following factors:
Is the unit unreliable?
Even if your AC isn’t costing you a lot in repairs, it might keep you up at night—you toss and turn, wondering if it will blow the next day.
On a hot San Marcos summer day, a faulty air conditioner won’t cut it. Your house will feel like a sauna in no time!
Every homeowner knows that replacing an HVAC system costs thousands of dollars. But you’ll appreciate the peace of mind that comes with a brand new unit, especially when it’s summertime and the sun is blazing.
How old is it?
The average air conditioner lasts between 10-15 years, depending on how well you maintain it. If your AC still has years of usage left, you might opt to simply repair it; it’s less expensive than a total replacement.
Let’s say that your unit is only 5 years old—your best bet is probably a repair, given that it’s a relatively new unit. But what if it’s older than 10 years? In that case, the cost of a repair may not be worthwhile, since it won’t be long before something else breaks. You’re probably better off buying a new one.
Older air conditioners have another issue: many of them use a refrigerant called Freon (R-22). It was recently discovered that this chemical causes damage to the ozone layer. The production and importation of this popular refrigerant was banned in 2020, which means that supplies will eventually run out.
If your air conditioner uses Freon, repairing it might be difficult due to limited quantities. The lack of availability has driven up the price of R-22 substantially. For the sake of your wallet and the environment, upgrade to a unit that uses a more eco-friendly refrigerant.
How often are you repairing it?
Think of how often you call for repairs on your unit.
Then, add up the total of those bills over a year. This will allow you to create an accurate analysis of what your AC is costing you.
A repair here and there isn’t a big deal. But what if you’re consistently calling your local HVAC technician? Not only is this expensive, but it’s also cumbersome. It might be more feasible just to buy a new unit and skip the constant repair costs.
How much are your utility bills?
The cost of an AC replacement is one of the main reasons why homeowners stick to repairing it.
However, if you’re paying too much for your energy bill, it may not be worth it.
But how much is too much? Look at your monthly bills over the lifespan of your unit. If you notice a steady increase, that trend isn’t likely to change.
On top of that, you may have noticed that your unit is struggling to keep up with the heat in San Marcos. What’s the point of paying for an air conditioner if it can’t properly cool the air in your home? You end up spending more on a less effective appliance.
Older systems are not as energy-efficient as newer models. By upgrading, you’ll see a noticeable decrease in your cooling bill.
The savings that an energy-efficient air conditioner will create may be worth the cost of a replacement.
For AC repair in San Marcos, call Comfort Crew. We provide reliable and high-quality AC services that includes AC replacements and repairs. Contact us today for all your heating, cooling, and air quality needs!
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