Whether you’ve recently noticed hot spots in your house, a strange noise coming from the air conditioner or heavy dripping from the unit, you know that you’re in a spot where you’ll soon have to decide whether to repair or replace your air conditioner. There isn’t one right answer that applies to every situation. The most effective approach is to evaluate a variety of factors to determine whether replacement or repair is right for your home.
Frequency of Repairs
One key factor to consider is whether you’ve recently had the same repairs made on your air conditioner. If the issue hasn’t occurred before and can be resolved without much grief, repair is likely the better option. On the other hand, when you’ve had the appliance serviced for the same problem recently, especially more than once, the air conditioner may be trying to tell you that its life is coming to an end. Consider, too, whether it has required other repairs, even if for different problems. Make sure to let the technician know about the air conditioner’s history so that they can offer the right recommendation.
Age of the Appliance
The age of your air conditioner is another key factor in deciding whether you should choose repair or replacement. In the event that the air conditioner is brand new or fairly new, it may very well still be covered by warranty. In fact, if the air conditioner is entirely defunct, you may not be responsible for replacing it as a result of your warranty.
In the case of older air conditioners, though, the time may have come to consider full replacement. The exact lifespans of air conditioners vary, and you should speak with one of our representatives about exactly how much life you can expect from your unit. However, if your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, a replacement is likely in order. In some cases, air conditioners need to be replaced even more frequently, such as every decade.
Desired Features
Considering the features that you’d like the air conditioner to have can also determine whether you should opt for a repair or a replacement. For example, you might want to upgrade to a smart system, or you may want to install zoned cooling in the house. However, it’s possible that your current air conditioner isn’t compatible with those desired features. In that case, you would likely need to replace the air conditioner in order to have them.
Environmental Impact
You can also talk with one of our team members about the impact that your decision will have on the environment. Older air conditioning systems are typically not as environmentally friendly as newer ones. Also, if you opt for a more environmentally friendly and modern system, you might be entitled to some financial incentives that could help to offset the costs of the replacement. Also, ask if the work itself could cause any disruptions to the environment.
The Costs
Reviewing your budget is also critical when determining how to proceed with your current air conditioner. In general, replacing the air conditioner is going to cost more than repairing it. However, the opposite can be true. If your air conditioner is so badly damaged that the repairs will cost more than a replacement, getting a new unit is certainly the better option.
If the costs of the two options are close, consider replacement as well. Keep in mind, too, that some repairs are merely temporary. An air conditioner notorious for breaking down may have more problems in the near future, thereby adding on costs. Also, getting a newer appliance could save you more money in the long term.
Time of the Year
When costs are of concern, you might be able to buy yourself some time depending upon the season. Perhaps your air conditioner really should be replaced, but you can’t afford to do so at the moment. If the colder season is coming, you may be able to wait on the replacement until after the holidays. Speak with one of our representatives to make sure leaving the air conditioner turned off in its current state is safe.
On the other hand, when the height of the summer is on the horizon and your current air conditioner is regularly experiencing issues, a total replacement is advisable. Getting stuck on the hottest days of summer without air conditioning can be dangerous as well as uncomfortable.
Your Long-Term Plans
You need to take your long-term plans for the property into account. If you are planning to sell the house in the near future, getting a new air conditioner could help to increase the sales price of the property. On the other hand, if the costs to install the new air conditioner will not let you see much of a return on your investment, then consider opting for repairs instead.
In some cases when houses are sold, the buyers intend to tear the structure down. For example, if you own a large property with an old house, the sale might be attractive to investors who will tear down the structure and put up two smaller homes or an apartment building. In this situation, a new air conditioner won’t matter to the buyer since it will be destroyed anyway. Consider the current market and your own plans when factoring in this element.
Safety Concerns
It’s important to ask our team members whether replacement or repair is the safest option for your home. An old air conditioner could become dangerous and potentially even a fire hazard, which means that replacement is the best option. On the other hand, if your home’s electrical system isn’t strong enough to keep up with the demands of a replacement, it might be better to opt for repairs until you’re able to update the electrical system.
Here at Aurora Pro Services Heating, Air, Plumbing, Electrical, & Roofing in Greensboro, we can review the various options for repair and replacement with you. Our team can guide you to the decision that makes the most sense for your home, while listening to all your questions and concerns. We offer a full array of heating and cooling services, including AC repair, installation and maintenance. We can also install smart thermostats, air ducts and dehumidifiers. Make sure to check out our plumbing, electrical and roofing work as well. Some of our specific services in these areas include work on gas lines, tankless water heaters, sump pumps, generators, circuit breakers, gutters and ceiling fans.
We aim to make your home a safe and comfortable place to live. Our team serves numerous locales in the Greensboro, NC area, including Pine Hall, Siler City, Pleasant Garden and Bear Creek. You can schedule service online and check out our list of frequently asked questions to get to know more about our services. Don’t forget to ask about signing up for a maintenance plan to ensure the longevity of your home’s systems.
To book an appointment, contact Aurora Pro Services Heating, Air, Plumbing, Electrical, & Roofing today!
