Your home’s air conditioning system should provide a high level of comfort for everyone in your family. If you’re having problems with your unit, you may wonder if you should repair or replace your air conditioner. Deciding which route best fits your needs will depend upon your current unit, your home comfort preferences and your budget. Remember to carefully evaluate the following factors before making a decision.
Evaluating Your Current Unit
Before you can decide if you should repair or replace your air conditioner, you will need to evaluate the unit that you are currently using. One of the first steps you should take is to identify how long the unit has been in use. Most Beaumont TX homeowners prefer to replace units that are more than 12 years old. In addition to considering your unit’s age, you should weigh whether or not it is still operating efficiently. If your unit is more than 10 years old, it is likely less efficient than the majority of new A/C units on today’s market.
Keep an eye out for the following indicators that it is a good idea to replace your air conditioner. If these items do not apply, having your A/C unit repaired is likely a good choice.
- You notice a sudden increase in your electricity bills despite steady usage of home appliances.
- The cost of repairing your A/C unit is equal to 50 percent or more of the unit’s value.
- Some rooms in your home are much colder or hotter than other rooms.
- Your A/C unit is not labeled with ENERGY STAR information or is more than 12 years old.
- It takes your unit much longer to cool your house than it has in the past.
Remember that you should also evaluate the condition of your house before purchasing a new A/C unit. If your home suffers significant energy loss or you are planning on selling soon, it may not pay off to have a new HVAC system installed.
Purchasing A New Unit
You’ve weighed whether you should repair or replace your air conditioner and you’ve decided that replacing your old unit with a new one is your best move. Before you purchase a new unit, take some time to decide what type of energy efficiency you hope to get from your new unit. Decide if you need a unit that relies on home HVAC ducts or is ductless. You may also wish to buy a heat pump in place of a traditional air conditioning unit.
Before buying new A/C equipment, work with a qualified technician to determine how much cooling capacity is needed in your home. Choosing a unit with the right amount of cooling power will ensure that you’re comfortable at home while helping you control your electricity bills. The friendly professionals at Thermacon Service Company are proud to serve both residential and commercial customers throughout the Beaumont TX area. We’ll be happy to guide you as you decide whether you should repair or replace your air conditioner and other HVAC equipment.
