Are you suffering through uncomfortable heat waves due to a faulty AC or faced with expensive repair bills for issues that are never resolved? If so, it’s time to determine whether to repair vs. replace your AC. The hot and humid Florida weather makes an efficient air conditioning system a priority.
Learn more about common AC repairs and how often you should replace your AC so you can make the best choice.
At Red Cap Plumbing & Air, our family looks out for your family. We provide quick, hassle-free AC repair and replacement services. Call us or schedule service online today.
You need to understand how to know when your AC needs repair and when it’s beyond fixing. There are three main scenarios where repairing the system is usually a better option than replacement:
In the end, it comes down to cost. If the price of repair work is minimal and likely to fix the issue, then this is a good course of action. When the AC has ongoing problems, you are generally better off looking at a replacement.
It’s important to determine when your AC is beyond repair. In certain circumstances, it is no longer worth the time, effort, or money to repair your system, and you are better off replacing it entirely. Understand which problems are easily fixed and when the continued costs of repair work only lead to additional future problems. The following are good indicators that you need to invest in a replacement.
The cost of repair work for your AC system will vary widely depending on the problem but can add up quickly to reach thousands of dollars. If the bills are getting steep, the better option is to use your money to purchase a new and efficient system that won’t continue to drain your funds with the need for constant attention. This is especially true if the system is also old.
Speak with an experienced HVAC technician if you start to notice frequent problems. They can do a thorough inspection and assessment to locate problems and evaluate the system’s performance to advise you on the best option.
The age of your air conditioner when you begin to notice issues is a big indication of whether repairs or replacement is best. Older systems will likely experience problems that require additional repairs as parts wear out. It’s normal for the system’s performance to decline as it nears the end of its life span. Typical wear-and-tear are expected, and most AC systems can last for 15 to 20 years. If your unit is approaching this age, it’s time to invest in a new system or be prepared for continued expensive repairs.
The manufacturer warranty typically covers at least part of the cost of repairs or replacement while the agreement is active. For newer AC systems, make sure that you determine if it is still under warranty when you consider what action to take. This information is available on the manufacturer's website. Just search for the model number of your AC.
If you are faced with a large-scale AC issue on an older system no longer under warranty, weigh the cost of the necessary repairs before agreeing to the work. When the total price tag is 50% or more of the system’s overall value, you should replace it.
As your AC gets older, it becomes less efficient than it once was. You will notice the change in the form of higher energy bills. New air conditioners are manufactured to use significantly less energy than their predecessors, anywhere from 30% to 50% less. This makes a huge difference in your utility bills, with energy-efficient units cutting costs by 20% to 40% or even more. Take a look at your bills over the past months. You may find that your increased energy bills and repair costs make buying a new system worth it.
When you are ready to replace your AC, look at the new model’s SEER ratings, which is the industry measure of Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Higher numbers indicate greater efficiency and more savings on energy costs. The minimum SEER for all new air conditioners in Florida is 15. This is a big increase from the ratings of 6 or less that most older models have.
Even if your AC seems to be running normally, you might notice that it doesn’t keep your home consistently cool any longer. Signs that your system is starting to wear out include:
These common performance issues require action and often AC replacement to keep your home comfortably cool.
Replacing a faulty or broken air conditioner is a solid financial investment. After the unit's initial cost, you should save money due to better energy efficiency and fewer maintenance needs.
The experts at Red Cap offer honest prices and convenient scheduling. We understand the negative impact a broken air conditioner has on your life and can evaluate your system to provide you with the best repair and replacement recommendations. Our courteous technicians are guaranteed to arrive on time for your scheduled appointment to repair or replace your air conditioner and relieve you. Plus, we have nearly three thousand 5-star Google reviews backing up our work.
Call us or schedule service online today for an estimate.