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It can be so difficult to let something go. Whether it’s your favorite old t-shirt that has seen better times, or an old car restoration that always needs repairs, we often hold on to things too long instead of just replacing. While you probably don’t feel too attached to your air conditioner, it can still be tough to decide when is the right time to replace your unit. Luckily, there are some simple factors you can weigh to help you decide when is the right time to get a new one. In this blog, our professional team will explain what the important factors to consider are.
Age
Just like any technology, HVAC has advanced significantly over the past few decades. Unfortunately, we are still years away from a unit that never suffers from wear and tear. Your unit has plenty of moving parts and can be damaged by the environment. We know that this typically happens after about ten years or so. When it gets around that age, you will need to service it regularly.
While every situation and unit is different, if your system is getting up there in age, it’s smarter financially to simply get it replaced rather than repair. Remember that even if the repair is cheap, you have to factor in the potential added energy efficiency from a brand-new unit!
High Repair Cost
Typically, you can expect an AC repair to run you back a few hundred dollars. However, if there is really extensive damage, it may be more to bring the unit back to where it needs to be. This is still probably less than the few thousand dollars it might cost to get an entirely new unit.
How can you tell when it is time to just replace? We recommend this rule of thumb. Multiply the cost of repair by the age of the system and weigh this against the cost of a new system. If your calculation is cheaper, just get the repair. If it’s more than the cost of replacement, it’s likely time to go through with the replacement.
The important thing to remember is that a more expensive repair on a brand-new system is going to cost less in the long run than a normal repair on a decade-old system. Use our rule of thumb and you’ll know when the time is right.
Performance
The idea of repairing or replacing your unit isn’t always just an economic choice. If your AC isn’t performing properly and a repair won’t fix it, it might be a good idea to replace it right now. We see air conditioners fall short when they are not properly sized or don’t have the necessary power for your home. If you’re having consistent trouble with the performance of your AC system, it’s probably best to have our pros take a look at it to see if there’s anything that can be done. If not, a newer system that is properly sized may be the route to go.
Freon Refrigerant
Freon refrigerant was used for years as the primary form of cooling for AC units. This has been phased out in recent years due to government regulation. The new R-410a refrigerant is now an industry standard. Due to this, R-22 freon is getting rarer and more expensive. Consider this when weighing the future repairs your unit may need.
Closing Thoughts
Ultimately, we are just here to offer guidance. Every situation will be different. We want to be a trusted guide throughout the process with your AC unit. The decision to repair, or replacement, can go in either way in some cases, so it will be up to you to decide which is ultimately the best decision.
Our Hilton Head-based HVAC pros can help you with all your HVAC needs during the COVID-19 crisis. Our technicians are trained in cleanliness, are screened for health, and understand the proper directives from the authorities. Call us today at (843) 242-0855 or fill out an online contact form to schedule your appointment today