Should You Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner?
Louisville’s seasonal weather changes can be hard on AC units. Even the best-maintained units can encounter problems every once in a while. How do you know when your AC unit needs a simple repair, and when it’s better to replace the whole unit? We’ll walk you through the choice between AC repair vs replacing the unit.
Signs You Might Need a Repair
Minor Issues: Something as simple as a clogged filter or a faulty thermostat can impact an air conditioner’s effectiveness and increase energy costs. Address small issues early, as ignoring them is more likely to cause the problem to worsen than make it go away.
Repairs under $1,000: Each family has their budget to consider, but many sources use $1,000 as the line in the sand between when to repair and when to replace. Under this threshold, it’s probably more cost-effective to repair your unit. Over this threshold, or if you’re frequently having to make repairs, it might be time to consider a replacement.
AC Units under 10 years old: Most AC units should give you at least 10 years of good use. If your model is still relatively new, you can bet it has enough life left in it to keep you cool for a while longer.
DFH Company is your best resource for fast, reliable, and affordable air conditioner repair in Louisville.
When It’s Time to Replace
AC lifespan: While there’s no exact date for when to replace your air conditioner, most sources agree on a range of 10-15 years. Most AC units should last over 10 years with routine maintenance and good care. After about 15 years, it’s usually time to consider replacing your unit.
Frequent or costly repairs: All AC units require regular maintenance to perform at their best. However, this should be limited to simple upkeep, like changing air filters and checking refrigerant levels. If you find yourself making bigger repairs regularly, it might be a sign that it’s time to replace your unit.
Declining efficiency and higher energy bills: Sometimes, the cause of declining efficiency in AC units is as simple as a clogged filter. Other times, it’s a sign of larger deterioration. If your energy costs continue to rise, replacing your AC with a more efficient new model could save you money month over month.
Use of outdated refrigerant: R-22 is a refrigerant that was once commonly used in air conditioning units. Today, the EPA is phasing it out because of its detrimental impact on the ozone layer. If you’re considering replacing your AC system anyway and it uses R-22 refrigerant, this is another good reason to upgrade to a more environmentally-friendly and efficient unit.
Looking for experts to replace your AC unit in Louisville? Contact DFH Company for new air conditioning installation.
Cost Comparison
Replacing an AC unit is certainly a higher up-front cost than repairing it. However, in some cases, replacing your AC unit may be the more cost-effective option.
Consider short-term vs. long-term savings. If your AC unit needs repairs frequently, your HVAC repair costs will certainly add up. It may be more affordable to bite the bullet and replace the unit, rather than taking on unknown future costs and headaches.
Additionally, installing a new AC unit comes with efficiency upgrades. New AC units perform significantly better than outdated ones in both cooling performance and energy costs.
Ultimately, the decision whether to repair or replace your AC unit comes down to two factors: cost and performance. If your AC isn’t maintaining comfortable temperatures or your HVAC repair costs are adding up, it may be time to replace it.
Energy Star is another great resource to help you decide when to replace your air conditioner.
Benefits of Upgrading
If you choose to replace your AC unit, you’ll find more benefits than just peace of mind. Modern air conditioning units are cheaper to run and have better cooling power than older units.
Lower energy bills: Today’s air conditioning units can do more with less power, which means you pay less per month for better results. As power costs continue to rise, upgrading to more energy-saving appliances is a smart choice.
Improved comfort and air quality: New air conditioning units contain air filtration systems that stop pollutants and allergens from entering your home. Additionally, they’re designed with noise reduction in mind so that you can enjoy cool air in peace and quiet.
Smart technology compatibility: With a modern smart AC unit, homeowners can control the temperature and energy usage of their homes from their phones. This increased control improves comfort, energy efficiency, and cost savings.
DFH Company is your best resource for top-of-the-line Trane air conditioner systems in Louisville.
Next Steps
If you’re still unsure about the right course of action, it’s time to turn to the experts. DFH technicians meet the highest performance standards in the industry and are fully qualified to help you make a cost-saving choice that keeps you comfortable.
Still unsure if you should repair or replace your AC? Schedule a free estimate with DFH Company and let our experts guide you.
Call DFH Company Today!