Sometimes, it is better to replace an old AC unit than to repair it, but you may be able to make it last a little longer with a few repairs. In this article, we will help you figure out when it is best to repair the unit and when the best plan of action is to replace it.
When Should You Repair Your Old AC Unit?
The HVAC industry uses a simple formula to determine whether or not it is better to repair or replace an HVAC unit. It is a simple matter of multiplication. You multiply the HVAC system’s age by the amount that the repairs will cost. If the number is larger than $5,000, professionals advise you not to repair the unit. At this point, it is more economical to replace the system. If you have to repair your current HVAC system constantly, you are justified in replacing the unit. That is because frequent and expensive repairs may continue to occur.
For example, if your AC unit is eight years old and the repairs required are equal to $1,400, the total would be $11,200 when you multiply the amount of the repairs and the unit’s age. This is definitely more than $5,000. Although a new AC unit will cost thousands of dollars, purchasing a new unit would be much more economical than paying for the repairs. That is because you could reduce your energy bills by 50%, and you would no longer need to pay thousands of dollars for repairs.
If your AC unit is five years old or newer, it is more economical to repair it if it is still performing well. You do not necessarily need to replace AC units of this age this soon. As a matter of fact, the better option is to repair an AC unit if it is nine years old or newer. If the AC unit is between 10 and 13 years old, you may be able to keep it for several more years. This depends on whether or not you performed regular maintenance on the unit. If your air conditioning unit is between 14 and 20 years old and was well maintained, it is at the end of its natural life span. It may be time to replace the old AC unit.
Does It Break Down Often?
If your AC unit broke down once but has never broken down before, the current issue may be an anomaly. It would be better to repair the unit than replace it at this point. In contrast, if it breaks down every year, this is a different story. You may end up needing to have an emergency repair every couple of months. If this is the case, it would be more advantageous to replace the AC unit.
What Is the Efficiency Ratio?
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is a measure of your AC unit’s operating efficiency. Your AC unit’s SEER must be 14 or higher. At 14, the unit is relatively efficient and keeps your energy costs low. If the unit’s SEER rating is 13 or lower, it may be worthwhile to replace the AC unit. Suppose that your current AC unit has a SEER of 12, and you decide to upgrade to a unit with a SEER of 16. Your energy savings will be equal to 25% every year. You could even purchase an AC unit with a SEER of 25. This would maximize your energy efficiency and your savings to the greatest degree.
When Should You Replace Your Old AC Unit?
The following insights will help you determine whether or not you should replace your old AC unit.
How Is the HVAC Unit Working?
The unit’s ventilation should allow enough fresh air into your home for it to be comfortable. It also must filter the air that contains contaminants and toxins that sicken the people inside the home. Some of these particles include pet dander, pollen and dust. This is how the HVAC system maintains good air quality inside your home. Along with ventilation, HVAC systems also cool, heat, humidify and dehumidify your home. They also help you keep it clean.
If you notice that your home has more dust and dirt, it is possible that your HVAC system is not filtering the contaminants and ventilating the air as much as it used to do. Try upgrading your filter to see if that makes a notable difference.
The AC System No Longer Cools Your Home
If your HVAC system fails to cool your home as it used to do, this is a sign that you may need to replace the air conditioner. The HVAC system also contains a dehumidifier that removes excess moisture from your home. You may notice that your home has more humidity than it did in the past. You may need to replace the HVAC system at this point.
Your Energy Bills Keep Increasing
When your energy bills increase and you are not using your air conditioning unit more than you ordinarily do, HVAC professionals recommend that you replace the AC unit. You can expect your energy bills to increase when you cool your home during the hot summer months. If they continue to increase, this is a sign that the air conditioning unit is not working as efficiently. These costs go up slowly as time goes by, but you will notice after a while that your bills are astronomical. This would be an excellent reason for purchasing a new, energy-efficient AC unit.
The AC Unit Is More Than 10 Years Old
It depends on the AC unit, but air conditioners typically last between 10 and 20 years. An AC unit that is at least 10 years old can still run and cool your home. The problem may be that it does so in a less efficient manner. Inefficient AC units cost you more in energy bills. A new AC unit will offer you so much in savings that you won’t mind purchasing a new unit.
You Are Concerned for the Environment
If you’ve had your AC unit for a few years, it uses R-22 refrigerant. The Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of R-22 refrigerant in the year 2020 because it damages the ozone layer. Now, it is extremely expensive to purchase R-22 refrigerant. If you need to have refrigerant repairs, you can expect them to be costly. Besides that, it is going to be more difficult to find R-22 refrigerant. If you are concerned about the ozone layer and are considering whether or not you want to purchase a new AC unit, the fact that your old unit uses R-22 refrigerant may be enough to push you to replace your old AC unit.
You May Sell Your Home
If you plan to sell your home in the next few years, you may have an easier time finding a buyer if you have a new AC unit. When it comes time to sell, you can ask for a higher bid because of the new unit, and while you are still in the home, you will have a new unit that doesn’t require expensive repairs. Besides that, you will have a new warranty.
In addition to our air conditioning services, our technicians can also offer you heating and plumbing services. To find out more information about our services, contact Laury Heating Cooling & Plumbing in Vineland or Pennsville today.
