5 Factors to Consider When Deciding to Repair or Replace Your AC

How old is the Air Conditioner?

A central air conditioner will last 10 to 15 years. Older units are usually much less efficient and need more frequent repairs. Some older AC units will use Freon which is being phased out and is expensive.

What needs to be repaired?

Minor problems like clogged drain lines and ignitors are less expensive to repair than blower motors, condenser coils and compressors. It may be better to invest the money for expensive repairs in a new air conditioner.

How efficient is the unit?

Newer, high efficiency air conditioners can have up to 20 SEER (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_energy_efficiency_ratio) efficiency ratings, reducing energy use and operating costs significantly. If the current unit is less than 13 SEER, you can expect significantly lower energy consumption and hundreds of dollars a year in savings from a newer unit.

Frequency of repairs

If major repairs have becoming more frequent in recent years, it may be best to invest the cost of repairs in a new unit.

Is the Current Air Conditioner the Right Size?

An over-sized unit will cycle more often, be prone to early failure and have poor humidity control. A new, professionally installed system using heat gain calculations will be matched to your home’s unique requirements.