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Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

Air conditioners, just like other household appliances, need regular maintenance. Even with regular maintenance, you will have to replace your A/C when it reaches the end of its service life. The question to ask here is – when to repair and when to replace it.

Many homeowners are unsure whether the replacement is worth it. At the same time, a question that lingers on their minds is, what if they have the system repaired and it falls apart after a few days? 

If you too are facing the conundrum, you have come to the right place. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace an air conditioner system.

Energy Efficiency

An inefficient air conditioner draws more power than an efficient system. An inexplicable and sudden rise in your energy bills is an indicator that you’re A/C system is nearing the end of its useful life. 

The components of old A/Cs and systems damaged beyond repair can fail overnight. When this happens, the A/C turns into a power guzzler. In many cases, an old, outdated A/C can suck up to twice the energy than a new unit consumes. 

Systems operating below 10 SEER must be replaced immediately. Replacing your old A/C with a new system will cost you more than having it repaired; however, the long-term benefits of a new A/C outweigh the costs. 

A new unit will save you hundreds of dollars every year. A study found that households with new systems can cut their cooling costs by up to 50 percent. Modern systems have several useful features such as dehumidifiers and variable speed motors designed to help homeowners save on cooling costs. 

Cost of Repairs 

Frequent breakdowns are among the most common signs that a system is nearing the end of its service life. If your system breaks down frequently, you must seriously consider replacing it with an energy-efficient air conditioner by a reputable manufacturer. 

Before deciding to replace, determine the repair cost. If the cost of repair is 50 percent of the value of your A/C, you must replace it. Another rule that many HVAC repair experts in Walnut Creek, CA use are the $5,000 rule. According to the rule, if the product of the repair cost and your system’s age exceeds $5,000, replace it.

The Age of Your A/C 

Most A/Cs are designed to last 10-15 years. If your system is approaching the end of its useful life, start looking for a new system. The manufacturing date of an A/C is usually mentioned on the back of the unit. 

Is your air conditioner acting up lately? Let the experts at Right Now Air & Solar help! Whether you have clogged filters or a failing compressor, we have you covered. We are committed to helping our customers get the most out of their systems. To discuss your requirements with one of our experts, call us at (707) 868-8736.