There is no utility more essential in Houston than an AC unit. Without one, you would be wilting away from the heat of Houston’s summer sun. For this reason, you want to ensure your AC is functional year-round. But what do you do when the time comes to contemplate AC repair vs. replacement? If you find yourself in this situation, you want to account for six considerations.
AC Repair vs. Replacement: 6 Considerations
Hopefully, reading this blog will make the choice between AC repair vs. replacement easier. Here are six factors to weigh when choosing between repair or replacement services for your AC unit:
1. Age
If your AC is being problematic, the first thing you need to consider in the matter of AC repair vs. replacement is the age of the appliance. The expected life expectancy for AC units is typically 10-15 years, so if you’ve had yours for that amount of time or longer, replace it. Otherwise, you don’t want to throw out an AC unit before it reaches its ten-year milestone.
2. Costs
Along with age, you also want to weigh the costs of AC repair vs. replacement. The simplest way to approach this matter is to obtain estimates for both services and see which costs more. If repairing your AC is more expensive, you’re best option is to replace it, so you can ultimately save more. Another consideration when it comes to costs is to see whether or not your AC’s warranty has expired. If it hasn’t, take advantage of repairs; otherwise, call for a replacement.
3. Energy Bills
Start paying attention to your energy bills. Has there been a change in the costs? Do they seem to be higher than usual? If so, then you need to consider whether to seek AC repair or replacement services. If your energy bills continue to rise after repairs are complete, it’s worth considering replacing your AC.
4. Environmental Impact
Speaking of energy, is your current AC system having an adverse effect on the environment? If your unit uses R-22 refrigerant, you could be increasing your carbon footprint, especially since this refrigerant is no longer produced in the United States. As a result, you would also be leaving a negative impact on the environment by using refrigerant that needs to be shipped overseas. Your best option is to replace your unit with one that uses R-410A, which is produced in the United States. That way, the next time your AC is dealing with leaky refrigerant, you just need to call for a simple repair service.
5. Air Quality
In the case of AC repair vs. replacement, you also want to consider the state of your air quality with your current AC. If you’re simply dealing with warm air or insufficient airflow, chances are you will just need repairs. These symptoms can be the result of a thermostat in need of resetting or blocked air ducts, both of which can be easily resolved with basic troubleshooting. If your indoor air quality fails to improve or worsens after considerable repairs, then you can think about replacing it.
6. Noise
If your AC is making noise, it is an immediate sign that something is amiss. Whether or not to repair or replace it depends on the source of said noise. Unusual sounds are usually the result of a dirty, damaged, or loose part. If the damage is particularly severe and not exclusive to a single part of your AC, replacement services might be necessary. However, most AC problems that lead to noise can be resolved with some straightforward repairs.
AC Doctor & Air Duct Cleaning Will Quickly Know What Your AC Needs!
Hopefully, going through these six considerations will allow you to make the best decision possible in the matter of AC repair vs. replacement. If you need help with this decision, our technicians at AC Doctor & Air Duct Cleaning will be able to quickly and thoroughly assess your AC and then provide you with recommendations. Contact us today to return your AC to prime working condition.