Making the decision between AC repair and replacement can be difficult. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can expect the average lifespan of your AC unit to be about 15 to 20 years. This is a good indication that it's time to replace your unit rather than get AC repair.
However, this isn't the only sign, there are many different signs you can look out for to indicate what is the best course of action for your home. Which is why our Huntsville AC Repair pros have put together this article, to provide our neighbors with everything you need to know about choosing between AC repair and AC replacement.
Let's take a look and help you make the best decision for your home!
What to Consider When Comparing AC Repair and AC Replacement
There are 3 things that you should first consider when looking at AC repair vs. AC replacement. Those are:
- Saftey
- Lifespan
- Effectiveness
Let's go through each one in detail.
Is Your AC Unit a Safety Hazard
One of the most important factors you need to consider when making the decision between AC repair and replacement is safety. If your air conditioning unit is posing a safety hazard, it should be replaced as soon as possible. Especially if the repair will be expensive and short-term, it just makes sense to do so.
One example of a safety hazard that may require AC replacement is a cracked heat exchanger on your furnace. If this happens, it has the potential to create a poisonous carbon monoxide leak, which may eventually enter your house and be fatal.
To sum it up, if your AC unit is unsafe in any way, it's time for a replacement. If you think that your AC unit may be a safety hazard, give us a call right away, we are a local HVAC company in Huntsville, AL with friendly staff and helpful staff!
Lifespan of an AC Unit
Another important factor to consider when making the decision between AC repair vs. replacement is how long your AC unit will last. The average lifespan of an AC unit is 15 to 20 years. Once it reaches this point, it's generally time for replacement rather than repair.
There are a few things you can do to increase the lifespan of your AC units, such as regular HVAC maintenance and cleaning. However, at a certain point, it just makes more sense to replace it than repair it.
There are other circumstances that can influence the lifespan of your HVAC unit as well. For example, if you spent three months each year for the previous ten years in the south and your unit didn't get as much usage as it would have if you lived in your home all year long, then it may last much longer.
If your air conditioning unit is only a few years old, it makes more sense to get repairs done rather than replacing the whole unit. If you believe that your unit needs AC repair in Huntsville, AL, or the surrounding areas, give Thomas Service Company a call!
Effectiveness of an AC Unit
The last factor you need to consider when making the decision between AC repair and replacement is how effective your current AC unit is. If it's no longer keeping your home cool and comfortable, then it might be time for a replacement.
Replacing your old AC unit with a newer, more energy-efficient model could save you money on your energy bills in the long run. According to Energy.gov, replacing an AC unit that is inefficient can save you 20-40% in energy costs.
Not to mention, it will make your home much more comfortable!
What are the Signs to Look Out for
There are many different signs you can look out for to indicate when it's time for AC repair or replacement. Below, we'll go over some of the most common ones.
Signs You Need AC Repair
If your AC unit is making strange noises, not cooling your home properly, or has stopped working altogether, it's time for a repair. Here is a full list of the most common signs you need AC repair:
- Weird noises
- Your vents are blowing warm air
- Rabid cycling
- Ice forming in your unit
- Abnormal humidity levels
- Musty and unpleasant smells
- Weak airflow
- Your breaker keeps tripping
- The fan is no longer blowing
- The thermostat is malfunctioning
- Refrigerant levels are low
- There is significant mold growth
These are signs that there is something wrong with your unit and it needs to be fixed. The sooner the better, as some of these can continue to get worse over time!
If you're not sure whether or not your AC unit needs a repair, give us a call. We offer professional and friendly air conditioner repairs in Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. We'll inspect your unit and let you know what repairs are needed and how much they will cost.
Signs You Need AC Replacement
Just like with AC repair, there are tell-tale signs you can look out for with AC replacement. If you're experiencing any of the following signs, it's most likely time for a replacement:
- Your AC unit is more than 15-20 years old
- It's no longer cooling your home properly
- You have to constantly repair it
- It's costing you a lot of money in energy bills
- It's leaking refrigerant
- The compressor is broken
- The outdoor unit is rusted or corroded
If you're unsure whether or not you need an AC replacement, give us a call! We'll inspect your unit and let you know what the best course of action is. We offer AC replacements in Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. We'll help you choose a new AC unit that meets your needs and budget.
AC Repair & AC Replacement Checklist
To make things a little easier for you, we've put together a checklist of things to consider when deciding between AC repair and replacement.
- First, check the age of your current unit. If it's more than 20 years old, it might be time for an upgrade.
- Secondly, consider the repair costs. If you're paying more than 50 percent of the cost of a replacement during a repair, it might be time to get a new one.
- Third, check how safe your unit is. If it's a possible safety hazard, you best to replace it immediately.
- Fourth, evaluate the effectiveness of your unit. If it's no longer keeping your home cool and comfortable, it might be time for a new one.
- Fifth, how often are you repairing your unit: If you are making repairs every month, it's probably time to buy a new one.
With these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to replace your AC unit.
When it comes to something as important as your AC unit, it's always a good idea to get a second opinion. That's why it's important to speak to an HVAC specialist about your options. They can inspect your unit and let you know what repairs are needed and whether or not a replacement is the best option.
At Thomas Service Company, we offer AC Replacement and AC Repair in Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. We'll help you choose the best course of action for your needs and budget.
Your Local Huntsville, AC Repair and AC Replacement HVAC Experts
Whether you need AC repair or replacement, it’s always a good idea to consult an HVAC specialist. Our team of professionals are ready and waiting to partner with you to create the perfect plan for your home that will keep your family cool in every season!
Contact us today if any of this sounds confusing and we can help walk you through all of the options available for your needs. We offer expert AC services in Huntsville, AL, and surrounding areas!