Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

When an air conditioner is no longer functioning as efficiently as it should, you may have to choose between repairing and replacing it. The decision to repair or replace an air conditioner can be overwhelming for someone who’s not an HVAC expert.

In this article, we’ll discuss various considerations that will help you make the right decision.

AC Unit Age

The average lifespan of air conditioners can vary, but for the most part, AC units max out at around 10-15 years. Beyond that point, an air conditioner is more likely to develop a number of problems that will cost you a lot of money down the road. If your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, the cost to keep it operating efficiently might end up being more than getting a new AC.

If your air conditioner is less than 10 years old and it has no major issues, it is advisable to have the unit repaired when it shows signs of dysfunction. But if your air conditioner is over 10 years old, the unit keeps breaking down, or the cost of making repairs is high, it would be better to get your AC replaced.

The 5,000 Rule

You can also use the 5,000 rule as the deciding factor between repairing and replacing your air conditioner.

The 5,000 rule dictates that if the age of your air conditioner multiplied by the AC repair cost equals more than $5,000, it may be better to replace the unit. If it equals less than $5,000, it would be a good idea to have the AC repaired.

Illustration

Consider a 10-year-old air conditioner that needs $400 in repairs.

Repair Cost x Age (Years)

$400 x 10 Years Old = $4000.

Going by the 5,000 rule, repairing the AC unit in question makes financial sense.

AC Unit Efficiency

If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, doesn’t cool your home properly, the unit is breaking down frequently, and there’s a sudden spike in your heating bills, you probably have an inefficient unit. Although installing a new AC may cost more than making AC repairs, newer AC units can save you about 20-40 percent in energy bills.

Safety of The Air Conditioner

It goes without saying that an AC that presents a safety hazard should be replaced if making repairs won’t solve the problem. If the heat exchanger is cracked, it is best to call in a professional HVAC company to replace the entire unit.

If you still aren’t sure if you should repair or replace your air conditioner, you can consult with a professional HVAC company.

Are you looking for a professional HVAC company to help you with AC repair or AC replacement? Reach out to Absolute HVAC Service for reliable and cost-effective services.