You are probably reading this post because your air conditioner broke down recently and the HVAC contractor in Midway, FL, who inspected your air conditioner, gave you two options: either to replace it or to have it repaired. And now you are at a crossroad trying to figure out whether you should opt for an expensive replacement or for an inexpensive repair.
Choosing between replacing or repairing your air conditioner is tough, and we are glad that instead of jumping the gun, you decided to research before making a final decision. In this post, we list some essential factors that you must consider in order to make an informed decision.
Your Air Conditioner's Age
The life of an air conditioner is anywhere between 10 to 15 years. Sometimes, an air conditioner may last longer or shorter depending on its maintenance and usage. In case your air conditioner is more than ten years old, you can consider replacing it. Use the rule of $5000, wherein you need to multiply the age of your AC by the repair cost. If the value comes out to less than $5000, you can get your AC repaired, but if it exceeds $5000, it’s best to have the AC replaced.
The Frequency of Repairs
Another essential factor to consider is the frequency of a repair. For example, if your AC breaks down quite frequently, then you can think of replacing it with a new air conditioner to avoid the inconvenience faced by you and your family. Also, even if you aren’t paying a huge repair cost per repair, the total cost of several minor repairs may come out to be more than the cost of a single major repair.
Your Current Air Conditioner's Energy Efficiency
As long as your air conditioner is energy-efficient, you can consider having it repaired. But if your air conditioner’s energy consumption has increased substantially, it makes more sense to replace it with a new energy-efficient air conditioner. This will not just help you avoid a further surge in your energy bills but also allow you to make significant savings if you go for the latest energy-efficient air conditioner.
Your Air Conditioner's Performance
Ask yourself if your current air conditioner is meeting your requirements. Usually, the performance of an air conditioner tends to reduce after a few years. If you have noticed that your air conditioning is struggling to offer the same level of cooling that it used to (when it was new), or if there has been a reduction in the airflow, then probably it’s time for you to say goodbye to your existing air conditioner.
Your Air Conditioner's Maintenance History
As we mentioned earlier, maintenance plays a vital role in enhancing the service life of an air conditioner. Suppose you have been getting your AC serviced regularly and keep track of small but essential things such as timely replacement of your AC’s air filters and frequent inspection of your AC’s outdoor unit. In that case, there’s a high probability that your AC will not need a replacement for a long time. But if you have failed to maintain your AC, you will have to replace it sooner than you thought.
The Technology Used in Your Air Conditioner
If your air conditioner is too old and lacks the features available in the latest air conditioners, then you can consider replacing it with a new air conditioner. Air conditioning technology has advanced in recent years, and the latest air conditioners come with features that not only allow precise temperature and humidity control but also let the users monitor the air conditioner’s performance. In addition, some air conditioners can even be controlled using a smartphone or a virtual voice assistant such as Alexa. So if you have the budgets and want to enjoy the benefits of a feature-rich air conditioner, then you can consider replacing your existing one.
These were some of the important factors that one should keep in mind when choosing between replacing and repairing an air conditioner. We hope you will be able to make a better decision after reading this post. Also, don’t forget to reach out to us at Keith Key Heating & Air and ask us for our advice if you ever face a situation like that. We are a trusted name when it comes to AC service in Tallahassee, FL, and the surrounding areas. We offer all types of air conditioning services ranging from AC maintenance to AC repair to AC installation to air duct cleaning in Tallahassee, Sopchoppy, Midway, FL, and the nearby areas. Call us at 850-926-3546 or send us an email at support@keithkeyhvac.com, and one of our expert will gets back to you shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: The most important thing in an air conditioner is its ability to effectively cool or heat the air while maintaining energy efficiency. An efficient air conditioner will provide optimal comfort while minimizing energy consumption and utility costs.
Air conditioners are mechanical systems designed to regulate and control an indoor space's temperature, humidity, and air quality. They work by removing heat from the air inside a building and transferring it outside, resulting in a cooler indoor environment. Air conditioners include various components such as compressors, condensers, evaporators, and refrigerant lines.
The three main types of air conditioning systems are:
• Window Air Conditioners: These are self-contained units installed in a window or a hole in an exterior wall. They are suitable for cooling individual rooms or small spaces.
• Split Air Conditioners: Split systems consist of two main components—an outdoor unit containing the compressor and condenser and an indoor unit containing the evaporator. They are commonly used to cool multiple rooms or larger areas.
• Central Air Conditioning Systems: Central AC systems are designed to cool an entire building or a large area. They involve a network of ducts that distribute cooled air throughout the space. Central systems can be divided into packaged systems (all components in one unit) and split systems (components separated between indoor and outdoor units).
When designing the overall HVAC system, there are several important factors to consider:
• Load Calculation: Determining the heating and cooling load requirements of the building based on factors such as size, orientation, insulation, and occupancy.
• Energy Efficiency: Selecting equipment and components with high energy efficiency ratings to minimize energy consumption and operating costs.
• Air Distribution: Designing an effective system for distributing conditioned air throughout the building, considering factors such as airflow, duct design, and zoning.
• Indoor Air Quality: Incorporating measures to ensure adequate ventilation, filtration, and humidity control to maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.
The best month to replace an AC unit can vary depending on factors such as the climate and demand in your region. In general, spring and fall are considered ideal times for AC replacement. It is because the weather is typically milder during these seasons, and HVAC companies may have more availability and competitive pricing. Consult with our HVAC professional, who can provide specific guidance based on your location and climate and help you choose the best time for installation.
The decision to replace an air conditioner depends on several factors, including its age, performance, and repair costs. Here are some indicators that it may be time to replace your air conditioner:
• Age: If your AC unit is 10 to 15 years old or older, it may be nearing the end of its life expectancy, and replacement should be considered.
• Frequent Breakdowns: If your air conditioner requires frequent repairs and costs are adding up, investing in a new unit may be more cost-effective.
• Decreased Efficiency: If your AC is not cooling as effectively as before or if you notice a significant increase in energy bills, it could be a sign of declining efficiency.
• Outdated Technology: Older units may lack the advanced features and energy-efficient technology in newer models, which can result in higher operating costs.
It's best to consult with our qualified HVAC professional at Keith Key Heating & Air Inc, who can assess the condition of your current system and provide personalized air conditioner replacement in Tallahassee, FL, based on your specific needs.