Is It Better to Repair or Replace an Air Conditioner?

Essential to any home or office space, air conditioning keeps things cool and comfortable. A high-quality AC system can provide a level of energy efficiency that results in massive savings. But not even the best can last long without proper maintenance. Sooner or later, you’ll face that classic conundrum – is it worth the effort to repair an old air conditioning setup? Or should you just bite the bullet and replace your AC? Breaking down this complex issue, our experts can help you make the right decision.

Signs of an AC in Need of Repair or Replacement

As any homeowner will tell you, most HVAC systems have a limited lifespan. But before deciding whether to repair or replace, you’ll need to establish whether any kind of intervention is necessary in the first place.

Here are several common signs of air conditioning systems gradually failing:

• Insufficient airflow/uneven cooling
• Elevated humidity in your home
• Increased dust accumulation in your home
• Persistent thermostat issues
• Persistent grinding noise
• Moisture buildup in the unit (moldy smell)
• Wiring issues (burning smell)

• Frequent breakdowns
• Unexplained energy bills increases

Please keep in mind that most of these problems only worsen with time. So, the sooner you intervene, the better the chances are of the problem being relatively easy to fix!

If you’ve experienced any of the issues outlined above, odds are that your AC requires a tune-up at best and a complete replacement at worst. Read on for details on how to tell the difference between the two.

The Upsides and Downsides of Repairing Your AC

Repairs are often the cheapest and most efficient way to solve your AC issues and keep your place comfortable. But like any other solution, heating and air conditioning repairs come with pros and cons. The most obvious upside is that repairs help you avoid the costly and inconvenient process of AC replacement. On the other hand, repairs can sometimes end up being even more of a hassle, causing you to pay quite a bit more than you would for a whole new unit!

Here are a few potential upsides and downsides of having your AC repaired.

• Short-Term Savings (+): Generally speaking, heating and air conditioning repair costs less than a full replacement. This, however, may not pan out in the long run – repairing your unit over and over again will make replacement seem cheap.
• Temporary Solution (+): If you’re only looking for a quick fix at a temporary place of business/residence, AC repairs would obviously make much more sense than replacing the unit.
• Maintenance Programs (+): Quality HVAC providers tend to offer maintenance deals with each purchase. Some repairs to your AC unit might be available at a reduced fee, or even free of charge.
• Repair Frequency (-): The main downside of choosing repairs is the fact that AC issues tend to crop up every now and then. Repairing your old unit once makes sense; repairing it eight times in a row is a waste of time and money.

What Replacing Your AC Might Ental

Replacing your AC is a far more demanding process than having it repaired. It may seem straightforward – tear down the old unit, order a new one, pay to have it installed – but many considerations are involved. From power consumption to grid compatibility, there are factors you’ll need to look into.

Here’s a short list of advantages and disadvantages to having your AC unit replaced.

• Long-Term Savings (+): As mentioned above, even the most expensive AC system pays out in the long run, typically through energy savings and less frequent repairs.
• Lasting Solution (+): A new AC system will almost always require less extensive maintenance than an old and outdated model.
• Feature Update (+): Having a new AC system installed results in… well, a newer system! There could be a whole host of new features that your old AC never had.
• Initial Investment (-): Replacing your AC unit has a substantial cost in both time and money. While these might be considered a worthwhile investment, they are still quite taxing for many homeowners.

How to Choose Whether to Repair or Replace Your AC

This should go without saying, but no two homes are exactly alike. Your costs of living and the specifics of your air conditioning setup determine whether or not it’s worth it to repair/replace your AC. If you’ve carefully considered all the relevant factors outlined above, you should be able to make an informed choice.

To make your decision a little bit easier, here’s a simple checklist.

1. How old is your AC? (If it’s gone past 20 years, it’s probably due for a replacement.)
2. How critical are your AC issues? (If there are safety concerns, just replace it.)
3. What’s the efficiency of your AC? (How quickly are your energy bills growing?)
4. How much do AC repairs cost? How frequently are they needed? (compare to #5)
5. What would be the cost of a full AC replacement? (compare to #4)

Answering these questions should give you a clearer picture of your specific situation and provide a path forward. But if a straight answer is what you’re looking for, independent of circumstance –  

Is It Better to Repair or Replace Your AC Unit? 

There are advantages and disadvantages to both options. Repairs are usually cheaper in the short term, while replacements tend to pay out in the long run. Ultimately, before you make the call on whether to replace or repair your AC unit, we strongly advise that you consult with trusted HVAC professionals.

When you contact All-Seasons Heating & Cooling, experienced NATE-certified technicians will be available to provide you with guidance and recommendations. The decision-making process can be complex, but with reliable local experts on your side, you should feel confident of making the right call. Please don’t forget to ask about our preventative maintenance program option!