When your air conditioner in Williamsport 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 instance, a system that has been taken care of could be a smarter candidate for an AC repair because it will generally have a longer lifetime than another system that hasn’t been upheld. Many other factors should be considered in addition to this. We’ve got some questions that can help direct 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 order an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don’t run as well as they did when they were new—and especially not as well as a new, energy-efficient model. In reality, you could reduce your energy consumption by more than you may think if you swap out your older system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Most often, this savings will support 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 maintained, but Energy Star advises upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your existing central air conditioner is more than 10 years old.
Past your unit’s age, examine your AC repair history. If your system has failed a few times, it’s prone to fail again—this scenario can end up costing you more money in the long run. When you take into account potential rebates and enhanced efficiency, is a new system going to be more cost-effective in the end?
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, 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 running well.
- Are your energy bills going up without extra usage? This is a sign that your air conditioner is on the fritz.
- Is your system properly sized? If your unit is too small for your home, it can’t function properly. Just the same, if you’ve recently worked 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 positive if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to consider a replacement, Lycoming Heating Company can help! Our experts can help you decide how much life remains in your system and what the ideal option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 570-326-4450 to setup an appointment for us to check it out.