When your air conditioner in Port St. Lucie breaks down, it can be hard to know if it’s an occasion for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a better option for the long run. The answer isn’t similar for every homeowner. For example, a system that has been well maintained could be a better candidate for an AC repair because it will probably have a longer lifespan than another system that hasn’t been maintained. Many other aspects should be thought about additionally 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 order an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don’t function as well as they did when they were new—and definitely not as effectively as a new, energy-efficient model. Actually, you could decrease your energy consumption by more than you may think if you swap out your older system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Most often, this savings will rationalize investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can differ based on your specific equipment and how well it’s been maintained, but Energy Star advises upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your current central air conditioner is greater than 10 years old.
Outside your unit’s age, check out your AC repair history. If your system has stopped working a couple of times, it’s prone to stop working again—this scenario can end up costing you more money in the long term. When you think about potential rebates and enhanced efficiency, is a new system going to be more lucrative over time?
Many technicians suggest following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your equipment by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, exchange the system. If it’s less, go for the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house comfortable enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t running well.
- Are your energy bills spiking without extra usage? This is a sign that your air conditioner is failing.
- 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 taken measures to make your home more energy efficient, your system can in fact be greater than you need to cool a very efficient home.
If you’re not positive if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to consider a replacement, Custom Air Systems Inc can help! Our experts can help you determine how much life lingers in your system and what the best option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 772-247-2283 to setup an appointment for us to visit you.