One of the biggest decisions you’ll face as a homeowner is whether to repair or replace an air conditioner. On one hand, buying a new air conditioning unit is a big and pricey investment. On the other, operating an old, inefficient unit may be costing you hundreds of dollars every year and will eventually need to be replaced anyway.
Keep reading to learn whether your property in Springfield, MO needs a new air conditioning unit, or if you can get by with maintenance and repairs for now. We’ll help you understand the signs that indicate replacement is the better choice.
Your Unit Experiences Frequent Breakdowns
If your air conditioning unit is over ten years old, it’s inevitable that you will need to replace it within the next few years. If you’re facing an expensive repair, then it would probably make more sense to simply put that money towards a new air conditioning unit than wait for your cooling system to malfunction when you need it the most.
Frequent breakdowns are a sign that your system is reaching the end of its useful life. When repairs become more common and more expensive, replacement often makes more financial sense. You’ll avoid the frustration of unexpected breakdowns and the costs of repeated repairs.
Your AC Unit Is More than Ten Years Old
In recent years, air conditioner technology has seen some big changes. For example, in 2010, manufacturers began using a new type of refrigerant that doesn’t deplete the ozone layer, making modern AC units a better choice for the environment.
Today’s air conditioners are also more efficient than they were a decade ago, which means homeowners spend less on their monthly energy bills, even in the hottest months. The improvements in efficiency can be significant, often saving you hundreds of dollars per year.
Rely on Air Services in Springfield, MO to replace your AC unit when it reaches its maximum age limit. We’ll help you choose a new system that’s more efficient, more reliable, and better for the environment.
Modern systems also come with better warranties and more advanced features that can improve your comfort and convenience. These benefits make replacement worthwhile even if your old system is still working.
The Air Conditioner Is Inefficient
Operating an AC unit with a low SEER rating costs a lot of money. Today’s models are required to have a SEER rating of at least 14 to ensure your home is meeting the necessary cooling requirements to eliminate humidity and keep you cool.
If the efficiency of your unit is below that, then it may be time for an upgrade. In some cases, a newer, more efficient unit can cut your energy bill by as much as twenty percent. That’s a significant savings that can help offset the cost of a new system over time.
Higher efficiency doesn’t just save money. It also means your system doesn’t have to work as hard, which can extend its lifespan and reduce the need for repairs.
Repair Cost vs. Replacement Cost
To determine whether your air conditioner should be repaired or replaced, use the five thousand dollar rule. Multiply the age of the equipment by the total repair cost. If that number is less than five thousand dollars, then it’s in your best interest to repair.
For example, an eight-year-old unit with a four hundred and fifty dollar repair totals three thousand six hundred dollars, meaning that in that instance, a repair is likely the wisest solution. The repair cost is reasonable compared to the system’s age.
When exceeding five thousand dollars, it may be time to just replace the unit altogether to ensure the comfort of your home in the summer. At that point, you’re investing a significant amount in a system that’s already old and likely to need more repairs soon.
Air Services is here every step of the way to help you find the perfect air conditioning unit for your property in Springfield, MO. We’ll help you understand the costs and benefits of both options so you can make an informed decision.
Your Home Doesn’t Stay Cool
Do you have a difficult time keeping your home comfortably cool during the summer months? If so, that may indicate that your air conditioner is getting too old or may not even be the right size for your home.
When this is the case, the only way to ensure that you get the cooling requirements you need to stay comfortable is replacing your air conditioning unit before the summer months hit. This is something our team at Air Services can help with.
A system that’s too small will struggle to keep your home cool, while one that’s too large will cycle on and off too frequently, wasting energy and reducing comfort. Getting the right size is crucial for both comfort and efficiency.
Your Energy Bills Are Out of Control
When your energy bills start to rise for no apparent reason, it may be time to replace your AC unit. Older systems become less efficient over time, which means they use more energy to do the same job. This translates directly to higher utility bills.
At Air Services in Springfield, MO, our experts can evaluate your unit and help you decide whether repairing or replacing your air conditioner is right for you. We’ll look at your system’s age, efficiency, and repair history to make a recommendation.
With dozens of models and sizes to choose from, we’re sure that our name-brand cooling systems are the perfect choice for your residential or commercial property. We’ll help you find a system that fits your needs and your budget.