If your air conditioner is struggling to keep up with soaring outside temperatures, or it stops working out of nowhere, you know it’s time to call an air conditioning repair company in Raleigh to get your system up and running again, fast. But what if it’s not a simple fix or what if you’re not sure if your system is worth another repair? If you’re undecided between whether to repair or replace your air conditioner, we are sharing some tips to help you decide which option is best!
Consider the Age of Your Air Conditioner
Under the best circumstances, your AC unit should last around 15 years – that’s assuming routine maintenance is done regularly, and you have the right size unit for your home. Units that go without maintenance get dirt and grime built up, which causes them to work harder and wear out faster. The same applies to having too small of an AC unit – it has to work harder to keep the house cool.
If your home is nearing that 15 year mark, you may want to go ahead and consider replacing the unit.
Cost of Your AC Repair
Sometimes a repair simply isn’t a good investment. Knowing a unit lasts 15 years, is it worth replacing a compressor in a 14 year old unit? Knowing the average cost of an AC unit is $5,000, many AC repair and installation technicians recommend this formula to help you decide. If the cost of repair times the age of your AC unit is less than $5,000, then repair it. If it’s greater than $5,000, replace the unit.
For example, if your repair is quoted at $325 and your AC is 10 years old: $325 X 10 = $3250. In this case, it’s better to do the repair. But if your repair is $325 and your unit is 16 years old: $325 x 16 = $5200, you should go ahead and replace the unit.
Type of Refrigerant Used in Your Air Conditioner
If your AC unit uses R22 coolant (common in ACs manufactured before 2010), also known as Freon, you may want to consider a replacement sooner rather than later. R22 is being phased out because of EPA regulations and will be completely off the market by 2020. While five years ago, R-22 was around 10 dollars per pound, today, it’s between 40 and 100 dollars per pound, and that doesn’t include the installation and labor cost to recharge the unit.
The longer you go, the harder it will be to repair a unit cooled by R22, especially if there is a leak, so if you’re weighing your options, it’s better to go ahead and opt for replacement.
Availability of Air Conditioner Unit Parts
Just like any other technology, air conditioning technology is updating and changing every year. If your AC unit is older, replacement parts may be more difficult to come by or will be prohibitively expensive. If a part fails on your air conditioner and it’s become outdated and difficult to find, you may need to consider a replacement, especially if it’s not the first time that part has needed to be replaced.
Rising Energy Bills
Over the last decade, air conditioner unit manufacturers have made incredible strides in increasing the efficiency of their units, which leads to a decrease in operating costs for homeowners. If you notice your electric bills are rising every summer, and you haven’t changed your cooling habits, instead of repairing it, you may want to make the move to a more efficient unit that will save you money on your energy bills.
Contact Quality Comfort Service, Inc. for AC Repairs and Replacements
If your air conditioner is going out, and you’re not sure what your next move should be, let us help! We can help you determine the best course of action to keep your home comfortable, whether it’s a quick but reliable repair or a comprehensive air conditioner installation project. Call us today at (919) 230-2682 to schedule a free quote or a repair today!
