Is your air conditioner starting to act up? Is it showing signs that it needs to be checked?
The fall season is the perfect time to check if your air conditioning unit is still good enough to last until the end of the cold winter season. After all, you just used it extensively during the summer season. Now it is time to see if there are damages caused because of how it was used. During the fall, you get enough time to have it checked. That means you have the time to decide if you think your AC unit can still be fixed or if you need to have it completely replaced. It is also during this season when you get the best price for new models that are on stock.
The thing is, deciding whether your air conditioner should be repaired or replaced can be a tricky decision to make. First of all, getting a replacement is expensive – even if you get the best deal of the season. If you do not have the money, you might be forced to either use your credit card or settle to simply have it repaired.
While repairing an AC unit may be acceptable, is it really worth the risk? What if the repair is not enough to make your unit last until the end of the winter season? Will you really risk having it break down when it gets really cold?
Facts that will decide if your air conditioner should be repaired or replaced
There are a couple of facts that you can look into if you want to make a good decision about your air conditioner. You do not want to waste money by having it repaired again and again if your unit really needs to be replaced. And in case it is more economical to have it repaired, you want to ensure that you will not be risking your family’s well-being during the cold winter months.
So how will you ensure that you are making a smart decision?
Check what is broken
Start by looking at whatever is broken. There are damages that are minimal and can be fixed without putting so much dent in your budget. If you are not sure about a damage, it is always wise to get a professional opinion. Sometimes, your AC unit makes so much noise that you think something is broken inside when in fact, it is just a simple fix.
However, there are damages that are more serious than the rest. For instance, a failing compressor is a great indicator that you need to have the unit replaced. Having it repaired may be more expensive than you think. Changing the whole unit may be more economical instead of just having the compressor replaced. It may even be possible that it was not even the cause, to begin with. Sometimes, the compressor fails because of another issue that will reveal itself after you spent all the money on a new compressor.
Age of the AC unit
If you notice that the air conditioner is already old, it may be time to replace it. Usually, an AC unit will last between 15 to 20 years. However, there are factors that may speed up the deterioration of the unit – like if you live in a polluted area or if you have a unit outdoors. These can contribute to the wear and tear of the unit. While it will cost you a lot of money, you may be able to save more in the long run. This is especially true if the old unit is making you spend on repairs every now and then. Getting an energy-efficient unit will also help you save on your monthly bills.
Performance and maintenance history
It does not matter if whatever is broken is not that great or if you think the unit has yet to reach its old age. If you look back on the maintenance history and you notice that you had to call in a technician every now and then, that could mean it is time to replace the whole unit. You may be one of those you use their AC aggressively. If that is what your lifestyle requires, then that is okay. Calculate the amount that you have to spend every time you have it repaired. If it is too costly, then you might save more if you just have the whole thing replaced.
Get advise on your air conditioner
When you are deciding on what to do with your air conditioner, it pays to get the advise of a professional. Of course, you can talk to your spouse or partner to get their opinion. Or maybe ask a loved one who can give you unbiased advice. However, getting an expert to give their opinion may be the best way to help you decide. They know the parts of your air conditioning unit and they are the best judge if you can still salvage it or if it will be more cost-efficient to get a new one. So if your air conditioner isn’t working properly, reach out!
