Air conditioners keep our homes and businesses cool and comfy; however, like all machines, they wear out and require occasional repairs or even replacement.
When something happens to your AC, you might wonder if it’ll require a quick repair or to be replaced entirely.
Repair or Replace? Determining factors to assess
The AC Unit’s Age
Air conditioners have an expected system lifespan of about 12-15 years, though a well-maintained unit will last 20+ years. If you’ve had the same AC for over a decade, consider replacing it with a newer model.
Older units tend to consume more energy and require frequent repairs, which can strain your budget. Upgrading to a newer air conditioner improves home comfort and reduces overall maintenance costs.
Cost of Repairs
Expensive repairs make you consider whether to repair or replace your AC. Weigh the long-term savings and better energy efficiency against the immediate expense to figure out what’s best for your situation.
Your Current Unit’s Efficiency
Does your AC need to be fixed or replaced? Efficiency drives the decision between repairing or replacing your AC. A highly efficient unit cuts energy bills from the get-go by making repairs less costly. However, frequent repair calls may push you towards getting a new unit.
Breakdown Frequency
When repair costs exceed 50% of the value of a new unit, replacing makes more sense. If your AC keeps acting up, it signals aging and potential ongoing problems.
Opting for an AC replacement ensures more reliable cooling and potential savings in the long run.
Know When To Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner
The decision to repair or replace your AC unit ultimately depends on the cause of your AC problem and the extent of damage.
When your HVAC acts up, it usually needs either a simple fix, like replacing a faulty thermostat, or a bigger change, like fixing a busted motor.
So, how do you decide? If you have a fairly young unit that doesn’t cost plenty to repair, fixing it makes sense. But if you have an aging unit or costly repairs, consider an upgrade.
Trust Comfort Systems of Montana for Your AC Repair or Replacement Needs
In any case, it always helps to seek a professional’s input regarding whether to repair or replace your AC unit.
Trust our team of experts at Comfort Systems of Montana to give you extensive details of the problem with your unit and help you evaluate if a repair or replacement best suits you.
Call Comfort Systems of Montana at (406) 522-114 for expert advice and top-tier HVAC solutions in the Greater Bozeman area.
Related FAQs
HVAC systems last an average of 10 years. However, for your equipment, it may differ. Variables that affect life expectancy include the type of system, climate and the regularity of routine maintenance.
Many factors affect the sizing and specifications of your system, including square footage, insulation, window surface and configuration, geographic location of your home, and duct sizing and arrangement. A technician from Comfort Systems of Montana can perform an in-home load analysis to determine which equipment combinations will perfectly suit your home and your family’s needs. Depending on the construction of your home, one (1) ton of air conditioning can cool anywhere from 300 to 800 square feet. You can ensure that the system you purchase is the right size and not smaller or larger than you require, by having your heating and cooling needs evaluated by a licensed professional.
