Your air conditioner is a vital piece of equipment that maintains your comfort. It’s no fun when it goes out, but it is possible to repair. However, sometimes the repair cost is high enough to justify purchasing a new unit.
Here are some key things to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioner.
How Old Is Your Unit?
When thinking about replacing your air conditioner, this is one of the first things you should consider. A normal air conditioner lifespan is between 10-15 years.
If your system is approaching 10 years or older, you might want to consider purchasing something new, rather than investing money into an already aging system. Now, this does not mean that newer air conditioners are without problems. It’s simply that you might not see a worthwhile return on your investment in an older system.
How Much Are the Repairs?
After considering the age of your unit, debate the cost of repairs. If your unit is relatively young, such as 3 years old, it may be worth it to invest larger amounts of money into repairs. You will likely have many years left with this air conditioning unit.
However, with older units, it is a stickier situation. As mentioned above, AC units typically last 10-15 years. When taking this into account, costly repairs may not be worthwhile.
There are a couple of different rules that you can implement to see if you should consider replacing your AC:
- $5,000 Rule: If repairs are higher than this figure, you should consider replacing your air conditioning.
- 50% Rule: If repairs are equal to half the value of your system, you should consider replacing your AC.
Is It Efficient?
As technology improves, it also becomes more efficient. Older air conditioning systems are simply not as efficient as the ones on the market today. Energy experts suggest that if your energy bills are rising without a change in utility rates, you should consider upgrading your system.
Keep in mind, you can also help maintain your current unit’s efficiency with routine maintenance. For example, something as simple as changing the filter can increase your energy efficiency immensely. Also, don’t forget to schedule a professional tune-up once a year so that you can get ahead of any potentially costly repairs.
Decisions, Decisions
If you have decided that it’s time to upgrade your air conditioning, visit our AC installation webpage for more information!
At JSP Home Services, we proudly provide top-notch air conditioning services in Kingston and throughout New Paltz, Catskill, and beyond. For help with your home’s HVAC system, don’t hesitate to call us at (845) 250-6470 or contact us online!
