When the temperature rises, you rely on your air conditioning system to keep your home cool and comfortable. But, if your AC is struggling to keep up with the demand for cool air, it may be time for AC replacement in Hemet, CA. When there is an issue with their air conditioning system, every customer has a common question: Does the unit need repair or replacement?
The Big Question: Repair or Replacement?
When confused between repairing and replacing a unit, these five considerations will help:
- Age Of The Unit
An AC has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Your unit’s performance can be extended if it is well-maintained. If your unit is 10+ years old, the warranty has expired, you’re having more frequent problems, or the repair quotes you’ve received are exorbitant, buying a new unit may be better. If your AC is not ten years old, well-maintained, and has not experienced a major failure, it may be preferable to repair it.
- Repair Cost
If you have a properly working AC unit, it rarely makes financial sense to replace it unless the cost of repairs is in the thousands of dollars. Many air conditioning contractors in San Jacinto, CA, follow the “5,000 rule” as a general guideline. In this case, you multiply the unit’s age by the repair cost, and if the total exceeds $5,000, it may be better to replace the unit. If it’s less, fix it.
- High Energy Costs
Regardless of how well an older AC unit is maintained, it will always be less efficient than a modern system. To measure energy efficiency, all air conditioning units have a SEER rating. A SEER rating of 20+ is typical for modern, efficient systems. Inadequately sized units, insufficient refrigerant, or worn electrical components can reduce energy efficiency.
- Freons
Many older air conditioning units use R-22 Freon refrigerants. As of 2020, it is not legal to produce this in the United States. As a result, any remaining supplies are significantly more expensive than the readily available R-410a refrigerant used in modern units. Any required refrigerant repairs will be substantially more costly and potentially challenging to complete, but the product also harms the environment.
- Do you Intend To Relocate?
Even if you have an older unit, replacing it may not be a good investment if you plan to move out in the next few years unless there have been excessive repairs. However, if the AC unit is old or poorly maintained when you come to sell, a buyer may request a reduction in the home sale price to account for this. If you don’t plan on selling anytime soon, the peace of mind that a new unit and an extended warranty will provide may be enough motivation for AC replacement in Hemet,
Conclusion
It cannot be easy to decide whether to repair or replace your air conditioning unit. However, you can have more confidence if you consider the unit’s age, repair history, efficiency, and professional recommendations. Our skilled specialists can inspect your air conditioner to see if it needs to be repaired or replaced. If you need assistance choosing the suitable AC for your home or with specific AC services throughout this process, call EASE at 866-788-3273 or drop us a mailto fix an appointment with an air conditioning contractor in San Jacinto, CA.