When your air conditioner in Albuquerque fails, 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 long term. The answer isn’t the same for every homeowner. For instance, a system that has been taken care of could be a realistic candidate for an AC repair because it will generally have a longer lifespan than another system that hasn’t been serviced. Many other aspects should be considered additionally to this. We’ve got some questions that can help guide you.
How old is your system and how often are you repairing it?
The age of your air conditioner is a big factor in your verdict to arrange an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Older systems usually don’t operate as effectively as they did when they were new—and particularly not as well as a new, energy-efficient model. In reality, you could decrease your energy consumption by more than you may know if you replace your aged system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Most often, this savings will justify investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can change based on your specific equipment and how well it’s been maintained, but Energy Star recommends upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your present-day central air conditioner is greater than 10 years old.
Beyond your unit’s age, look at your AC repair history. If your system has broken down a few times, it’s prone to break down again—this situation 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 lucrative in the end?
Many professionals advise following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your equipment by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, change the system. If it’s less, just get the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house cool enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t working properly.
- Are your energy bills going up without increased usage? This is a sign that your air conditioner is failing.
- Is your system properly sized? If your equipment is too small for your home, it can’t run efficiently. Just the same, if you’ve not long ago taken measures to make your home more energy efficient, your system can essentially be greater 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 get a replacement, I-Deal HVAC can help! Our professionals can help you determine how much life remains in your system and what the ideal option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 505-445-1250 to setup an appointment for us to check it out.