When your air conditioner in Rock Hill fails, it can be hard to know if it’s time for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a smarter option for the long term. The answer isn’t the same for every homeowner. For instance, a system that has been serviced regularly could be a realistic candidate for an AC repair because it will almost certainly have a longer lifetime than another system that hasn’t been serviced. Many other aspects should be taken into account on top of to this. We’ve got some questions that can help guide you.
How old is your system and how often are you repairing it?
The age of your air conditioner is a large factor in your verdict to arrange an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don’t function as well as they did when they were new—and definitely not as efficiently as a new, energy-efficient model. Actually, you could decrease your energy consumption by more than you may know if you exchange your outdated system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Usually, this savings will rationalize investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can vary based on your specific equipment and how well it’s been taken care of, but Energy Star recommends upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your present-day central air conditioner is older than 10 years old.
Beyond your unit’s age, look at your AC repair history. If your system has failed a couple of times, it’s likely to stop working again—this situation can end up costing you more money in the long run. When you think about likely rebates and enhanced efficiency, is a new system going to be more economical in the end?
Many professionals recommend following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your equipment by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, exchange the system. If it’s less, go for the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house cozy enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t working properly.
- Are your energy bills going up without enhanced usage? This is a symptom that your air conditioner is breaking down.
- Is your system properly sized? If your system is too small for your home, it can’t function properly. Just the same, if you’ve recently did something to make your home more energy efficient, your system can actually be bigger than you need to cool a very efficient home.
If you’re not positive if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to consider a replacement, US Air Heating and Cooling can help! Our experts can help you decide how much life lingers in your system and what the best option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 803-220-0761 to setup an appointment for us to visit you.