When your air conditioner in Pflugerville stops working, it can be difficult to know if it’s time for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a better option for the long term. The answer isn’t the same for every homeowner. For instance, a system that has been taken care of could be a smarter candidate for an AC repair because it will almost certainly have a longer lifetime than another system that hasn’t been serviced. Many other aspects should be taken into account on top of to this. We’ve got some questions that can help guide you.
How old is your system and how often are you repairing it?
The age of your air conditioner is a big factor in your choice to call for an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Dated systems usually don’t operate as efficiently as they did when they were new—and especially not as well as a new, energy-efficient model. Actually, you could lower your energy consumption by more than you thought possible if you swap out your older system with a new, energy-efficient unit. In many circumstances, this savings will support investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can change based on your particular equipment and how well it’s been cared for, but Energy Star advises upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your existing central air conditioner is more than 10 years old.
Past your unit’s age, look at your AC repair history. If your system has failed several times, it’s probable to fail again—this scenario can end up costing you more money in the future. When you think about likely rebates and improved efficiency, is a new system going to be more lucrative in the end?
Many professionals advise following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, change the system. If it’s less, just get the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house cozy enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t working properly.
- Are your energy bills spiking without extra usage? This is a indication that your air conditioner is on the fritz.
- Is your system properly sized? If your system is too small for your home, it can’t function properly. Likewise, if you’ve not long ago did something to make your home more energy efficient, your system can actually be bigger than you need to cool a very efficient home.
If you’re unclear about if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to think about a replacement, Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning can help! Our experts can help you establish how much life is left in your system and what the top option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 512-355-1482 to setup an appointment for us to check it out.