How to Figure Out When to Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner
Texas summers are unrelenting. You rely on your air conditioner to offer both comfort and safety in your home, so when it isn’t working at optimal levels there’s a real problem. If it’s a newer unit, you can be confident that repair is definitely the way to go. But if you have an older unit it can be difficult to decide whether a repair or a replacement is in order. How do you make that decision? Here are some tips to help you make the call.
How Old Is Your Air Conditioning Unit?
Knowing the age of your AC unit, heat pump, and heating system are essential as a homeowner. Not only is this important information when it comes to AC repair financial decisions, but the AC system affects the indoor air quality as well. If you notice warm air instead of cool air after your cooling system has been on for a while, it’s a sign that immediate attention or repair is necessary.
When is the Average Air Conditioning Unit Replaced?
A fixed time period as a lifespan gauge is not always helpful, as many factors such as use and maintenance history play key roles. However, a well-maintained air conditioner can last upward of 15 years. If your unit is less than ten years old, you’re typically going to get more value from a repair done by a reputable HVAC company.
However, if you’ve purchased a home in which the maintenance history of the air conditioner is poor or unknown, age becomes more of a gray area.
In the case of a unit that hasn’t been well cared for and has a lot of wear and tear, you may want to schedule an evaluation by a licensed and experienced HVAC professional. We can give you a clear picture of the pros and cons of repair vs purchase of a new ac unit.
What is the Cost of the Repair?
The prices for air conditioner repairs can vary widely, depending on the severity and location of the problem. For example, replacing or cleaning an air filter or adding refrigerant is an inexpensive fix, while a bad compressor or refrigerant leak from a coil will create a much larger bill.
A good rule of thumb to follow is that if a repair will come out to less than $1,500 then go with the repair. This is especially true for units that aren’t too old (again, less than 10 years). Diamond Blue Air offers quality air conditioning repair services in Carrollton and its surrounding areas. We can give you an honest assessment once we identify the issue and help you weigh the pros and cons of making a repair or replacing the air conditioner.
When Should I Replace My Air Conditioning Unit?
Scheduling annual to semi-annual air conditioning maintenance service can help extend the life of your air conditioner. However, even a well-maintained unit won’t last forever. It can be tempting to continue repairing an older unit if it’s generally reliable, but there may be some signs that your system needs replacing.
Repairs Have Become More Frequent and Costly
If you find that you’re calling your HVAC technician more and more often to fix little things (or big things!) it may be time to consider purchasing a new unit.
The last thing you want to do is spend more on your energy bill because of a faulty HVAC system. The frequent need for air conditioner repair is a signal that replacement is a more financially sound option than continued maintenance.
If you continue to sink money into frequent repairs, you may find that you’ve ended up paying more than half the cost of a new air conditioning system, and you’ll eventually need to buy a new air conditioner on top of that. If repairs are starting to become expensive ($1,500 range), then you should start planning for AC replacement. This is true if you suspect problems with your home’s ac compressor.
Diamond Blue Air offers expert and affordable installation of the latest energy-efficient models in DFW and the surrounding areas. We have experience servicing homes that use a smart thermostat, and can recommend the best energy star units that adhere to a proper seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) for your home.
Rising Energy Bills and Poor Cooling
Another good way to tell that your ac unit is reaching the end of its life is by keeping an eye on your energy bills. If you notice that the prices continue to rise beyond normal fluctuations, while your comfort levels decrease because the air in your home isn’t as cool as it used to be, it might be time for replacement air conditioning service.
A key thing to watch for is the unit regularly blowing warm or hot air, despite service maintenance. It may be worth checking into getting a newer model.
If your air conditioner is on the way out, you can take advantage of new advances in technology and energy efficiency that give HVAC units higher efficiency than ever before. Many of the new systems are even compatible with smart technology and offer features that provide superior control and comfort. We can advise you on when to service your home’s air conditioner based on its present condition and previous maintenance schedule.
Trust the Professionals at Blue Diamond Air to Handle All of Your Air Conditioning Services
If you’re wavering between continuing to repair or replacing an old air conditioner unit, you don’t have to make the decision alone. Diamond Blue Air offers friendly and expert service for all your air conditioning needs, but also heating repair, furnace installation, heat pump maintenance, maintenance, and more. We also offer attractive financing plans to help with the monthly cost for qualified customers.
Call for a free quote on a new system that’s right for your home. We can help you make the choice that’s best for your home.
Give Blue Diamond Air a call at 469-200-3100 to learn more or to schedule service today.
