Should You Repair Or Replace Your AC?

The last thing anyone wants to deal with during the summer months is an air conditioner that isn’t working properly. One question that we are commonly asked by people facing air conditioner issues is, “Should I have my AC repaired, or should I have it replaced?”

Since air conditioning issues can range from small problems that can be repaired in just a few minutes to a total system failure that would cost thousands of dollars to fix, deciding between repairing and replacing can be a bit of a challenge. At BHS, we keep a few general guidelines in mind to help our customers make the best possible decisions.

When to Replace Your AC

There are certain situations in which replacing your air conditioner is probably your best option. If you have an air conditioner that was built prior to 1992, you should absolutely consider a replacement, even if you aren’t currently experiencing problems.

An AC built before 1992 is nowhere near as efficient as a modern unit. Replacing it could save you a drastic amount on your energy bills. In addition, an AC of this age will almost always cost more to repair than to replace.

Another situation in which a total replacement is your best option is when the compressor in your air conditioning unit has failed after the warranty has expired. Replacing a compressor is an extremely costly endeavor. Investing so much in an older system does not make financial sense because, even after the compressor is repaired, you are likely to experience additional problems as other components fail and need to be replaced.

What to Consider When Your AC Is Struggling

Unfortunately, not all situations are as straightforward as those mentioned above, and knowing whether to repair or replace can be difficult.

In general, you should opt for replacement is your AC is beyond three-quarters of its normal life expectancy and the repair will cost more than one-third the cost of a replacement. Also, take into consideration how much your current system is costing you to operate. When upgrading from an old, inefficient system to a newer model, you can drastically cut down your electric bill. This helps to offset the cost of a replacement.

When you aren’t sure whether repairing your existing air conditioner or getting a new one is the best choice, it’s always a good idea to consult with a highly-qualified professional. At BHS, we are more than happy to assess the problem and provide you with insight on which option makes the most financial sense.

We also understand that repairing or replacing HVAC equipment is a decision that only the homeowner can make, and while we will give your our honest recommendations, we will work with you to find the solution that works best for you, your family and your budget.

If you’re having trouble with your air conditioner or if you have an older model and you’re considering an upgrade, trust BHS for all of your Naples and SW Florida air conditioning needs and Naples AC repair. Give us a call today at (239) 946-4426 .

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