When your air conditioner in Carson City breaks down, it can be hard to know if it’s an occasion for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a greater option for the long run. The answer isn’t identical for every homeowner. For instance, a system that has been taken care of could be a smarter candidate for an AC repair because it will probably have a longer lifetime than another system that hasn’t been serviced. Many other factors should be taken into account on top of to this. We’ve got some questions that can help direct you.
How old is your system and how often are you repairing it?
The age of your air conditioner is a huge factor in your verdict to order an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Older systems usually don’t run as effectively as they did when they were new—and definitely not as effectively as a new, energy-efficient model. In reality, you could decrease your energy consumption by more than you may know if you swap out your aged system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Most often, this savings will support investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can differ based on your exact equipment and how well it’s been taken care of, but Energy Star advises upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your current central air conditioner is greater than 10 years old.
Past your unit’s age, check out your AC repair history. If your system has broken down a few times, it’s likely to break down again—this scenario can end up costing you more money in the future. When you think about possible rebates and enhanced efficiency, is a new system going to be more economical over time?
Many technicians recommend following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your system 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 cool enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t keeping up.
- Are your energy bills increasing without increased usage? This is a sign that your air conditioner is failing.
- Is your system properly sized? If your system is too small for your home, it can’t do its job. Likewise, if you’ve recently taken measures to make your home more energy efficient, your system can actually be greater than you need to cool a very efficient home.
If you’re not sure if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to think about a replacement, Anderson Heating & A/C can help! Our experts can help you determine how much life lingers in your system and what the ideal option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 775-230-7628 to setup an appointment for us to come out.