When your air conditioner in Savage breaks down, 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 term. The answer isn’t similar for every homeowner. E.g., a system that has been taken care of could be a better candidate for an AC repair because it will generally have a longer lifespan than another system that hasn’t been serviced. Many other influences should be thought about 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 verdict to order an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don’t operate as efficiently as they did when they were new—and definitely not as efficiently as a new, energy-efficient model. In fact, you could lower your energy consumption by more than you may think if you exchange your older 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 vary based on your particular equipment and how well it’s been taken care of, but Energy Star advises upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your existing central air conditioner is more than 10 years old.
Beyond your unit’s age, check out your AC repair history. If your system has broken down a couple of times, it’s prone to stop working again—this scenario can end up costing you more money in the long run. When you take into account likely rebates and improved efficiency, is a new system going to be more economical in the end?
Many experts advise 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, exchange the system. If it’s less, go for the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house cool enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t running well.
- Are your energy bills going up without extra usage? This is a indication that your air conditioner is on the fritz.
- Is your system properly sized? If your equipment is too small for your home, it can’t function properly. Likewise, if you’ve recently worked to make your home more energy efficient, your system can actually be bigger 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 consider a replacement, Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning can help! Our specialists can help you establish how much life remains in your system and what the best option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 952-373-0377 to setup an appointment for us to visit you.