Although summer is gearing down and fall is about to start, that doesn’t mean the temperatures will be dropping anytime soon. Instead of sweating through the next season, attempting to beat the heat, check out these tips to see if it’s time to replace your air conditioning unit.
How old is your unit?
Age is one of the most important factors when deciding if you should replace your air conditioning unit or just repair it. The standard A/C unit can last about 14 years, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, especially with less-efficient systems, they will break down before reaching their full age. One way to decide if your unit is too old to repair is by using the 5,000 rule. If you multiply the cost of repairs by the age and it exceeds $5,000, it’s time to replace the unit.
For example, your unit is nine years old and repair costs are $600, your total, when multiplied, would be $5,400. This means you should replace the unit instead of spending the money on repairs.
Coolant leaks could lead to bigger problems
If your air conditioning unit seems to have a coolant leak and requires additional refrigerant, topping off a system with R-22 (Freon) may cost anywhere from $550 to $1,000. Sure, units sometimes need a quick Freon fix and they are back in action, but for a coolant leak, this isn’t the case. Unfortunately, it won’t be a one time fix as, eventually, the unit will begin to leak again. Instead of postponing the inevitable, it’s probably time to replace the unit.
Your energy bill could be a sign
If your energy bill continues to rise, but your house still doesn’t seem cool enough, clearly there is something wrong. Some of these problems can be fixed through simple repairs, but if the problem is still occurring after multiple repairs, it’s time for a new unit. Although the initial impact of a new unit cost may seem too much, you can ultimately save up to 20% on your electric bill. By contacting us for a free system quote, you can know whether it’s time to repair or replace your unit!
