When your air conditioner in Rockford stops working, it can be tricky to know if it’s time for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a better option for the future. The answer isn’t similar for every homeowner. E.g., a system that has been serviced regularly could be a realistic candidate for an AC repair because it will generally have a longer lifetime than another system that hasn’t been upheld. Many other aspects should be taken into account additionally to this. We’ve got some questions that can help lead you.
How old is your system and how often are you repairing it?
The age of your air conditioner is a large factor in your decision to arrange an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Older systems usually don’t function as effectively as they did when they were new—and definitely not as well as a new, energy-efficient model. In reality, you could reduce your energy consumption by more than you thought possible if you swap out your outdated system with a new, energy-efficient unit. In many circumstances, this savings will justify investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can change based on your particular equipment and how well it’s been taken care of, but Energy Star recommends upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your existing central air conditioner is greater than 10 years old.
Outside your unit’s age, look at your AC repair history. If your system has failed several times, it’s likely to break down again—this circumstance can end up costing you more money in the long term. When you think about likely rebates and enhanced efficiency, is a new system going to be more cost-effective over time?
Many experts advise following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, change 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 working properly.
- Are your energy bills increasing without enhanced usage? This is a sign that your air conditioner is failing.
- Is your system properly sized? If your system is too small for your home, it can’t run efficiently. Also, if you’ve not long ago did something to make your home more energy efficient, your system can actually 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 consider a replacement, Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, Inc can help! Our specialists can help you decide how much life remains in your system and what the best option for your home and budget will be. Call us at (815)914-6197 to setup an appointment for us to check it out.