Should You Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner?

Often the decision whether to repair or replace something comes down to which costs less. When it comes to your air conditioner, however, it may not be quite that simple. Repairing your A/C will likely cost less than replacing it, at least initially, but there are several other factors to consider.

How old is your A/C?

The average life span of an air conditioner is 12 to 15 years, depending on how well it has been maintained. As your air conditioner approaches the end of its useful life, investing in short term fixes may end up costing you more in the long run than replacing it with a new one.

How efficient is your A/C?

Efficiency standards, defined by the S.E.E.R. (seasonal energy efficiency ratio), have improved in the last 10 years. While a 10 S.E.E.R. used to be the norm, a 13 S.E.E.R. is now the minimum. That can translate into big savings on utility bills over the course of the summer, year after year. If your older unit has a low S.E.E.R., replacing it with a new unit could be the most cost effective option.

Newer air conditioners will also be quieter, have more sophisticated diagnostics for quicker problem identification and resolution, and use safer refrigerant that doesn’t contribute to ozone depletion.

What is the overall condition of your A/C?

Frequent repairs — even small ones — add up, and while they may keep your unit running, you are likely losing money to inefficiency. This can be true even if your unit is not that old. If it was installed incorrectly, or is not the right size for your home, it makes sense to consider a new air conditioner. Additionally, parts for older units can be hard to find, and may only end up buying you another year or two of operation.

Help is here

Before summer is in full swing, contact your trusted Denver metro area HVAC professional to understand and evaluate your options, and to find out about rebates that may be available. Why suffer through another hot summer? Learn about today’s technology and get expert advice to help you determine if a new A/C is right for your home.

Indoor Air Quality will happily answer all your questions about repairing or replacing your air conditioner. Contact Us Today.