How old is your air conditioner? Do you find that you’ve got your local HVAC technician on speed dial? If your AC unit is of a certain age, or if you’re pouring significant funds into repairing it, it may be time to replace it with a new unit.
However, that’s not always the case. Some older units are built to last, and if they’re not harming you, it may be worth at least one more repair. Weigh whether you should repair or replace your air conditioner next time it gives you trouble.
How Old Is Your System?
Air conditioning units have an average lifespan of approximately 15 years. Yours could last for a much longer—or much shorter—period of time. However, AC units are comprised of multiple components, and some parts are more likely to fail than others.
The three main components of an AC unit are the compressor, the indoor coil (evaporator), and the outdoor coil (condenser). Both coils are common candidates for replacement when they start to leak or fail. However, if your compressor is the problem, your HVAC technician will likely recommend replacing the whole unit.
Time To Repair
If any of the following apply to your air conditioner, call an AC repair service to assess your unit and recommend repairs to keep your existing system functioning.
- Only one component of the unit (like the condenser coil) is faulty
- The unit is only a few years old
- Some rooms are adequately cooled, while others are not
Pro Tip
Use the rule of 5,000 to help you make your decision. Take the age of your AC unit (in years) and multiply it by the repair cost. Less than 5,000? A repair could be worth it. More than 5,000? Consider replacing.
Time To Replace
Consider whether replacing your unit will be worth it. Do any of these statements apply? If so, replacement could save you time, money, and effort.
- Your unit is more than 15 years old
- The model is not rated for energy efficiency or is suddenly using up much more energy
- An electrical short has broken the compressor
If these points look familiar to you, you could benefit from an up-to-date air conditioner that is rated for energy efficiency.
A broken-down or faulty air conditioner can be both costly and annoying to repair, but addressing the problem is worth it to keep your home’s air comfortable. If you’re wondering whether you should repair or replace your air conditioner, think about the costs involved and the location of the problem as you decide.
