It’s a disaster to have an air conditioner malfunction during the summer days when you need it the most. A malfunction may occur for various reasons, and the repair cost depends on the repair type. But sometimes, the repair cost can be higher or closer to the price of a new unit. There can be situations when replacing or buying a new unit is the wiser decision. For example, when your system gets into severe complications, and AC repair in Frisco is not a guaranteed long-term solution.
In situations like that, it can be a tough call to choose. Ultimately, it will depend on the condition and the associated repair cost. Read on, as this blog will ease your decision-making.
Factors to Consider
When deciding what’s better between a repair and a replacement for your condition, there are a few factors to consider. First of all, calculate the age of the air conditioning unit. Is it too old? How many times did you repair it before?
Then, figure out whether the issue is critical or not. Troubleshoot on your own to figure out what’s wrong with your unit. For that, you need to have some fundamental knowledge of possible HVAC malfunctions.
Now consider if your unit had been working efficiently enough before the malfunction. Finally, compare the cost between the two. Of course, if the repair cost exceeds the replacement cost or is too close to it, then there’s no point in repairing it, right? Now let’s see when you should repair the unit and when to replace particularly.
When Should You Repair Your AC?
Unless the situation is critical, you can always repair your AC. If you notice warm air coming out of your air conditioner, probably the thermostat is broken. Thus, despite correct temperature settings, it doesn’t transmit it to the air conditioner. Restricted airflow or a compressor issue can also cause warm air though.
If you realize that it is a refrigerant leak, it’s easy to fix. It may cause your AC to short cycle or constantly turn on and off. That’s why it’s important to have it fixed as soon as possible.
Dirty coils or air filters, malfunctioning thermostats, air-restricting ductwork, or low refrigerant levels may cause a malfunction in your AC.
You can troubleshoot these yourself. An air conditioner does not usually make much noise. Contact an HVAC technician if you notice any loud, buzzing, or any type of disturbing noises. Usually, if any part of the device is dirty, loose, or damaged, then it causes such noise. Clean those parts to stop the noise.
If you feel like you are not getting enough airflow from your AC vents, do this. Clean to ensure your air ducts aren’t clogged with debris. If that isn’t the case, leave it to an HVAC specialist to handle.
When Should You Replace Your AC?
Now, if you find yourself in a situation where AC repair is no longer a wise option, it is either because the repair is too costly or it isn’t guaranteed to add years to your AC’s lifespan. Or maybe the issue is too complex to solve. In such cases, you should opt for a replacement instead and get a new air conditioner for your home.
During the Summer, energy bills are naturally high. The International Energy Agency reports that the cost of energy sources such as natural gas and electricity is also rising. However, even considering these two factors, the bills should not be out of your reach. At least, it should follow a certain range. If your bills are higher than expected, there might be something fishy with your air conditioner, and maybe it’s time to replace your central AC. The efficiency of your device naturally decreases over time. A new unit will run more effectively and consume less energy. Save money on your electricity bills.
Repairing can be costlier than replacement. Being an old unit, it’s tough to work on or handle the parts; this is why professionals may charge more. Further, the repair may be a long-term solution and may lead to repair again. Again, if the repair requires the replacement of any parts and the cost gets high, replacement is obviously the better solution. Usually, the replacement cost of an air conditioner is around $4,500 on average, ranging between $2,500 and $7,500.
Every electronic device has a life expectancy. If your air conditioner has already passed its expected lifespan, it’s better not to repair it anymore. Central air conditioning systems can last around 10 to 15 years on average. So, if your system is older than that or closing on it and requires frequent tune-ups, it might be best to get a new one.
Conclusion
Whether a replacement or an AC repair in Frisco is better depends on a number of factors. The age of the unit, energy efficiency, severity of the issue, and cost comparison are a few to mention. If your unit is older than 10 to 15 years and requires frequent repairs, it’s time to replace it. If you replace your air conditioner, buy from a reputable company. There are many manufacturers or dealers for reputed HVAC brands. If you’re living in Frisco, air conditioner repair service provider companies are everywhere. Green Leaf Air is one of the leading and most reliable companies out serving the area for years. Their professional service with a transparent pricing structure will satisfy you to the fullest.
However, above all, regular maintenance is the key to avoiding both. You should clean your air filters, evaporator coil, ductwork, and all other parts to avoid possible malfunctions. You may do it as a DIY, or you may call a professional service. A well-maintained unit can last for more than 20 years.
