When your air conditioner in Muldrow fails, it can be hard to know if it’s an occasion for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a better option for the long term. The answer isn’t the same for every homeowner. For instance, a system that has been serviced regularly could be a realistic candidate for an AC repair because it will almost certainly have a longer lifetime than another system that hasn’t been maintained. Many other influences should be considered on top of to this. We’ve got some questions that can help guide you.
How old is your system and how often are you repairing it?
The age of your air conditioner is a big factor in your choice to arrange an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don’t run as well as they did when they were new—and definitely not as effectively as a new, energy-efficient model. In reality, you could lower your energy consumption by more than you thought possible if you exchange your older system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Most often, this savings will justify 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 taken care of, but Energy Star recommends upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your existing central air conditioner is older than 10 years old.
Outside your unit’s age, check out your AC repair history. If your system has stopped working a few times, it’s likely to break down again—this circumstance can end up costing you more money in the long term. When you consider potential rebates and increased efficiency, is a new system going to be more cost-effective in the future?
Many professionals advise following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your unit 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 comfortable enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t keeping up.
- Are your energy bills going up without extra usage? This is a sign that your air conditioner is breaking down.
- Is your system properly sized? If your system is too small for your home, it can’t function properly. Likewise, if you’ve recently did something to make your home more energy efficient, your system can in fact be larger than you need to cool a very efficient home.
If you’re not positive if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to think about a replacement, Air Service Co. can help! Our professionals can help you determine how much life is left in your system and what the top option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 918-212-8943 to setup an appointment for us to come out.