When your air conditioner in Tucker breaks down, it can be tricky to know if it’s time for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a better option for the future. The answer isn’t similar for every homeowner. For instance, a system that has been serviced regularly could be a smarter candidate for an AC repair because it will generally have a longer lifetime than another system that hasn’t been serviced. Many other factors should be taken into account additionally to this. We’ve got some questions that can help lead 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 decision to call for an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Older systems usually don’t function as efficiently as they did when they were new—and definitely not as well as a new, energy-efficient model. Actually, you could decrease your energy consumption by more than you may think if you replace your older system with a new, energy-efficient unit. In many circumstances, this savings will rationalize 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 cared for, but Energy Star advises upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your current central air conditioner is more than 10 years old.
Past your unit’s age, look at your AC repair history. If your system has broken down several times, it’s prone to break down again—this situation can end up costing you more money in the long run. When you think about possible rebates and enhanced efficiency, is a new system going to be more economical in the future?
Many professionals advise 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, try the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house cozy enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t keeping up.
- Are your energy bills increasing without enhanced 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. Likewise, if you’ve recently did something 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 unclear about if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to consider a replacement, ACS Heating and Air Conditioning can help! Our experts can help you decide how much life remains in your system and what the best option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 770-450-1539 to setup an appointment for us to visit you.