Every homeowner lives in fear of the day that their AC stops working. Then, there is always the nagging question about repairing or replacing the unit. All too often, the focus is on getting something to cool your home as quickly as possible, even if it is not the best financial choice. However, there is much more to be considered when you are trying to decide if fixing or replacing your AC is the best option.
The Age of The Unit
Age is one of the first things to consider when evaluating your home’s AC future. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the average air conditioner should serve you well for 15 to 20 years. But also understand that would be for a unit that has gotten regular care and maintenance for its entire lifetime. So if you know that the unit has not gotten the best of care, look at the lower end of that life expectancy as a better estimate.
If the unit is over a decade old, the general recommendation is to replace it and take advantage of the increased energy efficiency from the latest technological advances.
Overall Energy Efficiency
If you see your energy bill increase every month, your AC unit will likely be the culprit. Up to 70% of the energy consumed in the average household during the summer goes to operating the air conditioner. So the constant increase in your electric bill is s sure sign that your AC is declining every month.
The thought process is that if you are planning to remain in your house for 7 to 10 years, the lower energy bills will more than make up for the cost of the new AC installation. In addition, your home will feel more comfortable. Be sure to select an Energy Star rated air conditioner to maximize the benefit of these ultra-energy-efficient units.
How Much Is That Repair Going To Cost?
When you get a quote for the repair to your current unit, it can be very shocking. Some components and labor quickly tally up to a couple of thousand dollars. In general, you should never spend more than 50% of the cost of a new AC unit on a repair for your current unit. And that is only for an existing AC that is less than ten years old. For any AC that is over ten, you are better off getting the new installation.
Timing Is Also Important
If you have an AC unit that is seven or eight years old, it can be hard to spend the money to fix it. But there is also the consideration of how desperate you are for cool air. A reputable AC pro will offer you choices that can help you make a smart financial choice without sweating for a few weeks.
Investing a few hundred dollars to get the unit up and running the same day can be a good investment on a hot summer day. But understand that you should also plan to have a new unit installed as soon as it is available. Then, ideally, you can make the temporary fix and hold off until cooler weather.
For honest solutions from dedicated AC professionals, call (870) 273-8056. The experts at Elite Climate Control Heat and Air know that you need to have AC soon to keep your home livable, but you don’t want to waste a ton of money on an older AC. Our crew will offer you as many options and cost-effective solutions as possible when you decide if a repair or replacement is the best choice for your AC issue.