Should I Repair or Replace My AC?
If your air conditioning unit breaks down, you’ll have to decide whether to fix it or replace it. This can be a challenging decision for many homeowners, which is why we are all about making your life easier here at Gilmore. Our AC replacement Sacramento company explains the main factors to help you determine whether to repair or replace your AC. Read on to learn more.
Age of the Air Conditioning Unit
The age of your air conditioning unit should be the first factor when determining whether to fix or replace it. Is the air conditioner more than twelve years old? Typically, AC units older than twelve years should usually be replaced with newer, energy-efficient models.
As follows, this is explained by the fact that newer models are more modern. Older units have lower Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios than newer models. Thus, they operate less effectively. This can result in a higher energy bill for you, as your older system may be working harder to cool your home.
Our emergency air conditioning replacement Sacramento experts explain that you can also use the 5,000 rule to help you determine if that isn’t enough. This rule states that if the age of the air conditioner is greater than $5,000 and the cost of repair is greater than $5,000, the air conditioner should be replaced. If it’s less than that, the unit should be fixed.
Repairing Air Conditioning Systems
Repairing your air conditioner on a regular basis can indicate that it’s time to replace it. If your air conditioner is continually breaking down, never properly cooling your house, and still running loudly, it’s time to fix it. If important components like the compressor or condenser malfunction, our Folsom AC Company recommends replacing the unit. Keep in mind that air conditioners can work well simply by having a Sacramento AC tune-up each year. As follows, it’s natural if your air conditioner needs minor maintenance now and then. If you’re unsure, talk to your HVAC technician.
Performance of Air Conditioning Units
If your air conditioner is twelve years old or older, works constantly, fails to adequately cool your house, and causes your energy bills to be higher than they should be, it is most likely inefficient. If this is the case, Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing recommend removing it. We see this in every residential home, regardless of the state you are in. Newer air conditioners will save you around $200 a year on energy costs, despite their high replacement costs. In addition, the latest units provide high-efficiency features such as smart thermostat compatibility, dehumidifiers, variable-speed motors, and scroll technology.
If you’re still not ready to get rid of your old air conditioner, there are a few upgrades you can make to improve its efficiency:
- Install a programmable thermostat to improve overall efficiency and control.
- Install a dehumidifier. This will help keep your home cool and comfortable.
Recommendations for Air Conditioning Units
Always check with a reputable residential AC company to see if your air conditioner can be fixed or if it needs to be replaced. Depending on the issue, the technician might be able to address it without the need to replace the device. However, if the issue is beyond repair, or if the device is too old or unreliable to repair, replacement might be your only choice.
It can be difficult to decide whether to fix or upgrade your air conditioning unit. However, you can feel more confident in your decision if you consider the unit’s age, maintenance history, and performance, as well as professional recommendations. If you need assistance choosing the right air conditioner for your home, contact Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing today.
