Should You Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner? 5 Factors to Consider

When something goes wrong with your air conditioner, it’s not always easy to know whether to repair the problem or replace the HVAC unit altogether. While every situation is different, there are some important things to consider as you decide. Here are several considerations to keep in mind.

The age of your air conditioner. Most air conditioners will last from ten to fifteen years. If your air conditioner is less than ten years old, it’s probably worth repairing. If it’s older, replacing it is likely to be the better option.

The frequency of repairs. How often does your air conditioner break down or need maintenance? If you constantly need to replace parts or if you’re experiencing the same problem over and over again, look into replacing your unit.

Energy efficiency. Newer air conditioners tend to be more energy efficient than older models. Replacing your older air conditioner with a more efficient unit can save you money on your utility bills.  

The repair cost. A new air conditioner can cost between $5,000 and $7,000, depending on your location and the brand. Is it worth the money to replace? To find out, multiply the age of your air conditioning unit by the cost of repairing it. You should replace your air conditioner if the cost of repair is higher than the cost of replacement.

The use of R-22 refrigerants. R-22, or Freon, has been used in air conditioners for decades. However, the EPA has called for a nationwide phase-out of R-22 due to concerns about its effect on the ozone layer. Production of R-22 will completely cease by the year 2020. With the supply of R-22 dwindling, you can expect prices to increase. If your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant, it will be more cost-effective to replace it.

Whether you decide to repair or replace your air conditioner, we can help. Contact us to schedule your air conditioning repair service or installation.