It’s not always easy to decide between an AC repair or replacement. If you replace too soon, you could miss out on a few more years of good performance. If you don’t replace it soon enough, you risk your AC wasting money or even shutting down in a heat wave.
At ARS®/Rescue Rooter®, we built our business on making your everyday life a little simpler. We want you to enjoy a great deal, so this guide will steer you toward the best path for your needs. You’ll find out if it’s worth replacing an AC or if you should stick it out just a little longer.
Want to chat with a technician about your system? Call us today to get a second opinion!
When AC Repair May Make Sense
Air conditioning repair is essential when your system won’t turn on or seems to be acting up (for example, if it’s emitting foul odors or strange noises). If your system is on its last legs, however, repair may end up just wasting your time and money.
Should you repair or replace your AC unit? If any of the following are true, you likely won’t need a new installation for another few years.
You Have a Very Energy-Efficient Model
Does your current model have a SEER rating of 16 or higher? We recommend keeping it a little longer. A rating of 16 to 18 is good, while 18 to 21+ is excellent and indicates your unit will likely hold up for years to come.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This measurement system divides your system’s output by the amount of energy you use. For example, a system that has a high SEER rating will give you great cooling for a relatively low amount of energy. A low SEER rating will require a lot of energy for weak, unreliable cooling.
You Normally Enjoy a Good Performance
Do you usually get a reliable blast of cold air whenever you turn on your AC or HVAC? If so, while homeowners in very large houses or hot areas may still need a new state-of-the-art installation, those in temperate areas usually don’t.
If you rarely feel the need to supplement your AC with a cold drink or an extra fan, you’ll be just fine holding onto your current system.
Your System is Only a Few Years Old
Is it worth replacing an AC if it’s newer? Generally, no. An AC or HVAC that’s only three to five years old usually doesn’t need to be replaced. While it still needs yearly maintenance to stay fit, you’re unlikely to experience a full shutdown.
You Normally Keep Up with Maintenance
If you usually schedule maintenance once every year or year and a half, you’re likely in the clear. AC maintenance does a great job of extending your system’s lifespan by keeping internal parts in good condition and addressing minor issues early.
Ideally, it’s good to schedule maintenance twice per year to keep up with the extreme winter and summer seasons.
Is your air conditioner not blowing cold air? If this has happened before, that’s one major sign you might need a replacement.
When to Replace Your AC Unit
When is AC repair no longer worth it? If even one of the descriptions on this list applies, you should reach out to a technician and start considering a new installation.
Your System is Getting Older
Is your system eight years old or older? You definitely need to make the switch. The older your air conditioner is, the harder it’ll be to enjoy steady cooling and low energy bills. It may be struggling through a failing capacitor, broken fan, or leaking refrigerant.
Older systems have a tendency to grow weaker or break down entirely during heat waves. They also can’t keep up with the latest energy-efficiency designs, due to an outdated SEER rating.
You Want to Enjoy the Latest Features
An AC or HVAC system doesn’t just cool your home down. It can make your life easier in a variety of ways through additions such as:
Smart thermostats: These useful tools give you remote control, automated maintenance updates, and humidity control. They can inform you of AC repair or replacement signs or learn your heating and cooling schedule on the fly.
Variable speed motors: Do you want to pick how fast or slow your AC fan runs? This advanced setting is popular in newer models and gives you more control over your energy usage.
Improved air filtration: Your system also works hard to remove pollutants like dust, dirt, dander, and pollen from the air. While standard filters can trap some airborne bacteria and viruses, modern systems can come with UV filters that do an even better job.
You’re Constantly Calling for Repair Jobs
Calling your local home services for a repair job once every year or two is nothing to be concerned about. But if you’ve called for multiple repair jobs in one year? Your system is likely on its way out.
Ever had an air conditioner that won’t turn on? That usually points to an internal failure, like a dying capacitor, or to external damage.
Your System Uses Older Refrigerant
Without refrigerant, your system can’t transform warm air into cool air. While most models will work just fine for several years, sometimes you run out of refrigerant prematurely. You may also have an older model with an outdated type of refrigerant that won’t be stocked in the future.
R-22 refrigerant has slowly been phased out due to its high flammability and environmental impact. If your system is several years old, it may still use this refrigerant, in which case your air conditioning needs replacing to keep up with changing manufacturing standards.
Still want to learn more about how your system works? Check out our guide to your air conditioner’s parts and which ones may be affecting your comfort levels. Once you’re done, reach out to ARS to make a final decision on AC repair or replacement.
Let ARS Help You Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner
We know how frustrating it is to deal with an AC system that keeps freezing or energy bills that never go down no matter how hard you try. Our expert technicians can provide a personalized estimate and in-home inspection to make sure you don’t waste money on the wrong decision.
Schedule service today to finally decide between AC repair or replacement near you!
