When your air conditioner in Magnolia breaks down, it can be tricky to know if it’s time for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a better option for the long run. The answer isn’t similar for every homeowner. E.g., a system that has been serviced regularly could be a better candidate for an AC repair because it will generally have a longer lifespan than another system that hasn’t been upheld. Many other aspects should be considered on top of to this. We’ve got some questions that can help lead you.
How old is your system and how often are you repairing it?
The age of your air conditioner is a huge factor in your verdict to arrange an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Dated systems usually don’t operate as efficiently as they did when they were new—and especially not as efficiently as a new, energy-efficient model. Actually, you could reduce your energy consumption by more than you may know if you replace your aged system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Usually, this savings will support investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can vary based on your specific equipment and how well it’s been cared for, but Energy Star advises upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your present-day central air conditioner is more than 10 years old.
Past your unit’s age, check out your AC repair history. If your system has broken down a couple of times, it’s likely to fail again—this situation can end up costing you more money in the long run. When you take into account possible rebates and improved efficiency, is a new system going to be more economical over time?
Many professionals suggest following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, replace the system. If it’s less, go for the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house comfortable enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t working properly.
- Are your energy bills spiking without increased usage? This is a symptom that your air conditioner is breaking down.
- Is your system properly sized? If your equipment is too small for your home, it can’t function properly. Just the same, if you’ve recently worked to make your home more energy efficient, your system can essentially be larger than you need to cool a very efficient home.
If you’re unclear about if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to get a replacement, JTech Mechanical can help! Our experts can help you decide how much life remains in your system and what the top option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 281-231-8768 to setup an appointment for us to come out.