When your air conditioner in Phoenix breaks down, it can be tricky to know if it’s an occasion 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 example, a system that has been serviced regularly could be a smarter candidate for an AC repair because it will probably have a longer lifetime than another system that hasn’t been serviced. Many other aspects should be thought about 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 choice to arrange an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don’t function as efficiently as they did when they were new—and particularly not as efficiently 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 aged system with a new, energy-efficient unit. In many circumstances, this savings will support investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can vary based on your exact equipment and how well it’s been taken care of, but Energy Star advises upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your current central air conditioner is older than 10 years old.
Beyond your unit’s age, examine your AC repair history. If your system has failed a couple of times, it’s prone to break down again—this scenario can end up costing you more money in the future. When you think about possible rebates and enhanced efficiency, is a new system going to be more economical in the future?
Many experts advise 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, exchange 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 spiking without enhanced usage? This is a indication that your air conditioner is failing.
- Is your system properly sized? If your unit is too small for your home, it can’t run efficiently. Just the same, if you’ve recently taken measures 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 positive if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to think about a replacement, Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc can help! Our professionals can help you decide how much life is left in your system and what the top option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 602-832-7808 to setup an appointment for us to come out.