Unfortunately, your air conditioner stopped working in the middle of the hot season. What a pain! If you're like most homeowners, your initial thought is that you need to get it fixed right away so you can once again escape the summer heat, but is this always the best course of action?
Most people are shocked to discover that replacing a system entirely is sometimes preferable than making a repair, which isn't always the best option to take. Consider the following factors when deciding between air conditioner repair and replacement.
What Are The Factors That Decide AC Maintenance?
- The Age Of Your Air Conditioning System:
The age of your current system is possibly the single-most crucial factor while determining whether or not to repair it or obtain a complete replacement. Technology has improved significantly over the past two decades, improving systems' efficiency and effectiveness while also ensuring system's energy-efficiency. According to some estimations, a system that is 20 years old now consumes twice as much electricity as compared to a modern AC unit. The average homeowner may reduce their energy expenses by up to 25% by replacing their old air conditioner, especially given that heating and cooling account for over half of their annual energy consumption.
Similarly, when components continue to wear down, and lose efficiency, an old system is more likely to malfunction again. Even while you could be spending less for repairs right now, as your system gets older, you'll have to begin paying for additional repairs. If your AC unit is more than fifteen years old, you should seriously reconsider replacing it because you will almost immediately save money on pricey repair services.
- AC Usage Habits:
Even if your air conditioner is older, there are a few more factors to take into account. Do you use your system year-round or just on the hottest days? How much space does your cooling system need to cool? Do you maintain your air conditioner on a regular basis? If you take better care of your air conditioner, you could just need a quick fix because your unit is in better shape. As long as things are in good condition, it's likely that you won't need repairs again for sometime after your initial fix. If you don't maintain your new ac unit, chances are that a repair won't keep it working for very long before you need to perform another one.
- Your Budget Plans:
Naturally, not everyone has the means to replace the system as soon as it breaks down. In fact, it appears that these events always manage to occur at the worst time imaginable. In these situations, as it's all you can afford, you might want to choose a straightforward fix. That is acceptable. However, it is strongly encouraged that you replace your system if you need to and can do so within your budget. Long-term benefits and cost savings will eventually vastly offset the expenditures of this implementation.
The Takeaway
At times, it is better to follow some ac maintenance tips at home to prevent any major repair costs. However, in case of severe wear and tear, it is better to get AC replacement from a reputed ac company to ensure long-term savings.
