When your air conditioner in Ballwin and St. Charles stops working, it can be hard to know if it’s time for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a greater option for the future. The answer isn’t the same for every homeowner. For instance, a system that has been serviced regularly could be a smarter candidate for an AC repair because it will generally have a longer lifetime than another system that hasn’t been serviced. Many other influences should be thought about on top of to this. We’ve got some questions that can help guide you.
How old is your system and how often are you repairing it?
The age of your air conditioner is a big factor in your decision to arrange an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Older systems usually don’t operate as well as they did when they were new—and especially not as efficiently as a new, energy-efficient model. In fact, you could reduce your energy consumption by more than you may know if you exchange your outdated system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Most often, this savings will rationalize investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can differ based on your exact equipment and how well it’s been taken care of, but Energy Star proposes upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your existing central air conditioner is greater than 10 years old.
Past your unit’s age, examine your AC repair history. If your system has broken down a few times, it’s probable to fail again—this situation can end up costing you more money in the long run. When you think about possible rebates and improved efficiency, is a new system going to be more cost-effective in the future?
Many professionals recommend following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your system by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, replace the system. If it’s less, go for the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house cozy enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t keeping up.
- Are your energy bills going up without extra usage? This is a symptom that your air conditioner is breaking down.
- Is your system properly sized? If your unit is too small for your home, it can’t function properly. Just the same, if you’ve not long ago worked to make your home more energy efficient, your system can in fact be bigger than you need to cool a very efficient home.
If you’re not sure if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to think about a replacement, Air Alliance Team can help! Our specialists can help you determine how much life remains in your system and what the ideal option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 636-206-4250 to setup an appointment for us to come out.