When your air conditioner doesn’t turn on or fails to blow cold air, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out whether you need to repair or replace it. Having an HVAC technician do a full system inspection is usually the best way to determine the right move forward. The last thing you want to do is spend more money on repairs when a replacement would make better financial sense and lead to a more comfortable home.
You’re Using an Outdated System
Think back to the time when you had your AC installed. What year was it? Now take into account the expected lifespan for the appliance. If it has already passed this mark, it’s usually more practical to spend money on a new system rather than trying to fix the outdated one. With a new system in place, you won’t have to worry about sourcing hard-to-find R-22 refrigerant if it ever needs recharging because of a leak. This is because today’s new air conditioners don’t use R-22. Instead, they run on modern refrigerant that is more eco-friendly and easier to source.
A Repair Will Cost More Than 50% of the Replacement Cost
One of the first things that experts consider when telling customers whether to repair or replace their AC is the cost of the repair versus the cost of a replacement. When a repair is going to cost more than 50% of what it would cost to replace the equipment, they’ll usually recommend the latter. This approach removes the need to gamble with your money because you’re not risking spending thousands on a repair that might not actually work. Plus, you can enjoy the luxury of having a brand-new system, which will likely result in huge savings on your monthly cooling costs and a more comfortable home since it will feature the latest cooling technologies.
The Compressor Keeps Going Bad
If the compressor on your AC keeps going out, it’s a clear indicator that there’s some other internal issue at play. It could be that the condenser coil is going bad, which can overwork the compressor. It’s not a good idea to keep spending money on compressor replacements when a full upgrade would make better financial sense. And with a new system installed, you’ll have a new warranty in place to cover any unexpected repairs.
Scheduling regular maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your AC running optimally for years to come and avoid expensive breakdowns. If you’re not sure whether your cooling system needs repair or replacement, a licensed HVAC technician can help you decide. If you live in Baton Rouge, LA or a surrounding area and need AC services, make your first call to HVAC Essentials.