When your air conditioner in New Castle fails, it can be difficult to know if it’s a sign 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 lifetime than another system that hasn’t been upheld. Many other influences should be considered additionally 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 big factor in your decision to call for an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don’t function as efficiently as they did when they were new—and particularly not as efficiently as a new, energy-efficient model. In reality, you could lower your energy consumption by more than you may think if you exchange your aged system with a new, energy-efficient unit. In many circumstances, this savings will justify investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can change based on your specific equipment and how well it’s been maintained, but Energy Star recommends upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your existing central air conditioner is greater than 10 years old.
Beyond your unit’s age, examine your AC repair history. If your system has failed a couple of times, it’s prone to fail again—this circumstance can end up costing you more money in the long run. When you think about possible rebates and increased efficiency, is a new system going to be more cost-effective in the end?
Many experts recommend 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, try 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 going up without extra usage? This is a symptom that your air conditioner is breaking down.
- Is your system properly sized? If your system is too small for your home, it can’t run efficiently. Just the same, if you’ve not long ago did something to make your home more energy efficient, your system can in fact be larger than you need to cool a very efficient home.
If you’re not positive if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to think about a replacement, Central Heating & Plumbing can help! Our professionals can help you determine how much life is left in your system and what the ideal option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 724-401-1843 to setup an appointment for us to check it out.