When your air conditioner in Cambridge breaks down, it can be tricky to know if it’s an occasion for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a smarter option for the future. The answer isn’t the same for every homeowner. For instance, a system that has been well maintained could be a better candidate for an AC repair because it will almost certainly have a longer existence than another system that hasn’t been maintained. Many other factors should be considered 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 choice to arrange an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don’t run as efficiently as they did when they were new—and definitely not as efficiently as a new, energy-efficient model. In fact, you could reduce your energy consumption by more than you may know if you swap out your older system with a new, energy-efficient unit. In many circumstances, this savings will support investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can change based on your specific equipment and how well it’s been taken care of, but Energy Star advises upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your existing central air conditioner is more than 10 years old.
Outside your unit’s age, look at your AC repair history. If your system has stopped working several times, it’s prone to break down again—this scenario can end up costing you more money in the future. When you think about potential rebates and increased efficiency, is a new system going to be more lucrative in the future?
Many experts 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, change the system. If it’s less, go for the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house comfortable enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t working properly.
- Are your energy bills spiking without extra usage? This is a indication that your air conditioner is failing.
- Is your system properly sized? If your equipment is too small for your home, it can’t run efficiently. Also, if you’ve not long ago worked to make your home more energy efficient, your system can in fact 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 think about a replacement, Pliescott HVAC Services LLC can help! Our specialists can help you determine how much life remains in your system and what the top option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 410-228-4822 to setup an appointment for us to come out.