If your air conditioner needs frequent repairs, it’s not always easy to know if you should continue scheduling them or replace the unit altogether. While purchasing a new cooling system obviously costs more, it’s important to look at the long-term return on investment.
On the other hand, committing to preventive maintenance and having any performance issues fixed immediately may extend the life of your existing unit. As you consider whether to repair or replace, it’s important to keep the following factors in mind:
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- Age of the Unit: Energy Star, a voluntary labeling program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recommends replacing air conditioners that are more than 10 years old. According to the EPA, newer units are more efficient and can save you at least 20 percent on your cooling bills. You may also qualify for a tax credit by upgrading to a more efficient model.
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- Warranty: Your current air conditioner may still be under warranty, which means some or all of the repair work would be covered. If you do decide to upgrade, be certain to ask how long the warranty lasts on the new unit.
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- Cost of Repairs: You should always request a cost estimate before agreeing to any repair work, as well as price new units for comparison purposes. If the cost of the repair is less than 50 percent of the cost of replacement, it would be more economical to keep the air conditioner that you have.
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- Operational Costs: One sure sign that your air conditioner is becoming less efficient is when the cost to cool your home or business continues to increase. There may be slight variations due to heavier use some months or price increases from the utility company, but a consistent pattern of increasing costs is a clue that the unit should be replaced soon.
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- Type of Coolant: Most older units use R-22 coolant, which is progressively being phased out to make room for the more environmentally friendly R-410A. The longer you keep an air conditioner that requires R-22 coolant to operate, the more difficult and expensive it may be to keep it functional. R-410A is more efficient, less expensive, and is safer for the environment.
- Unequal Distribution of Cool Air: Another sign of air conditioner inefficiency is when some rooms of your home or office feel too cold, others feel too warm, and still others are just about right. A properly operating system should distribute the cool air evenly throughout the property. If this continues to happen after several repairs, replacement may be the better option.
The Importance of Regular Tune-Ups
Air conditioner repairs and replacement can both be costly, especially when they’re unexpected. One way to reduce the risk of requiring either service is to schedule a preventive maintenance appointment every spring and fall. If you do find yourself facing unplanned expenses, keep in mind that you may qualify for no or low interest financing from the dealer.
