When your air conditioner in Mechanicsburg fails, it can be tricky to know if it’s time for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a smarter option for the future. The answer isn’t identical for every homeowner. For instance, a system that has been well maintained could be a realistic candidate for an AC repair because it will generally have a longer lifetime than another system that hasn’t been maintained. Many other influences should be considered on top of to this. We’ve got some questions that can help guide you.
How old is your system and how often are you repairing it?
The age of your air conditioner is a big factor in your decision to arrange an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don’t function as efficiently as they did when they were new—and especially not as well as a new, energy-efficient model. In reality, you could lower your energy consumption by more than you may think if you replace your outdated system with a new, energy-efficient unit. In many circumstances, this savings will rationalize investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can differ based on your particular equipment and how well it’s been taken care of, but Energy Star recommends upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your existing central air conditioner is greater than 10 years old.
Outside your unit’s age, examine your AC repair history. If your system has broken down a couple of times, it’s likely to fail again—this scenario can end up costing you more money in the future. When you think about likely rebates and enhanced efficiency, is a new system going to be more lucrative over time?
Many professionals recommend following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your system by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, change the system. If it’s less, just get the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house cozy enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t keeping up.
- Are your energy bills increasing without increased usage? This is a symptom that your air conditioner is on the fritz.
- Is your system properly sized? If your unit is too small for your home, it can’t function properly. Likewise, if you’ve recently taken measures 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 think about a replacement, H & H Service Company can help! Our experts can help you decide how much life is left in your system and what the best option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 717-220-4502 to setup an appointment for us to come out.