It’s the worst-case scenario for any homeowner. You’re sitting inside on a hot summer day, enjoying a pleasant break from the heat thanks to your home air conditioning when your AC unit suddenly malfunctions—and you’re left trapped in an uncomfortable, hot box.
It’s never a good feeling to find yourself in this position, but it is something that can occur to anyone with an air conditioner at any time. So, what should you do if your air conditioner breaks down? Hire someone to repair AC? Or replace it completely? Most people don’t know what to do when their AC stops working, so they end up making a costly mistake.
Repairs usually don’t cost less upfront, and when it comes to actually fix something, this isn’t always the case. Repairs aren’t always guaranteed, and spending a few hundred dollars today for a repair may not be worth it if you have to pay more in the future.
Should I repair or replace my broken AC Unit?
When it comes to deciding whether or not your ac unit should be fixed or replaced, you must examine your individual system in order to determine the best method, both now and in the future. These are the considerations that will aid you in making this decision.
Age of AC Unit
The age of your air conditioning unit is one of the most crucial things to consider when deciding whether or not to repair it. The Department of Energy claims that the average life span of an air conditioning unit is between 15 and 20 years.
If your air conditioner is more than ten years old, you should consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient model. The cost of a newer model will be higher, but it will be more efficient than your previous one, and you may save money on a monthly basis when your energy bills arrive.
R-22 Refrigerant
Additional refrigerant is required by some air conditioning units. This is a sign of a leak in the cooling system. However, not all refrigerants are created equal. The majority of current models use R-410a refrigerant, which is considered to be a more environmentally friendly choice than previous AC refrigerants such as R-22. Older models, however, may have R-22 refrigerant, which is becoming much more expensive to replace as it phases out.
If your air conditioning system requires R-22 refrigerant, known as Freon, the cost of replacing it will generally be higher. It can range from $40 to $175 more per pound in addition to labor expenses. This may raise your HVAC repairs by up to $1,000.
After 2020, no new R-22 refrigerant will be legally available. In most situations, an ac unit that requires R-22 and has a leak should be replaced, not repaired.
Related Topic: 5 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repairs
Energy Efficiency
If your energy bills continue to rise while the rates from your electric company stay the same, it’s probably time to repair rather than replace your air conditioner. You may do the calculations yourself or utilize the Energy Star Home Energy Yardstick Tool to see how efficient your home is.
Replacing an old AC unit with a new energy-efficient model may cost you more upfront, but the savings from your new unit can more than compensate for these expenses if you plan on residing in your house for 7-10 years. According to HomeAdvisor, the average energy-efficient central air conditioner will cost between $3,730 and $7,154, which may save you 20-40% on home cooling expenses, according to EnergyStar.
AC Repair Cost
When it comes to making HVAC decisions, most customers are concerned about the expense. In fact, one of the most important aspects in choosing between repairing and replacing the ac unit is the financial aspect.
The cost of repairing an air conditioner in the United States is $336 on average. The typical range is between $163 and $520, with repairs costing as much as $1100 at the extreme ends. Some repairs might be more expensive than your regular repair. Replacing a home air compressor, for example, costs between $1350 and $1800, whereas replacing an evaporator coil can cost anywhere from $650 to $1200.
If you plan to stay in your house for more than ten years, you should replace your air conditioning unit; if you expect to stay for less than ten years, it may be more cost-effective to repair.
The average lifespan of an air conditioner is 10-15 years. However, if your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, it’s time to replace it. If you’re on the fence about the financial commitment, you may do some arithmetic to help you make a decision for yourself.
Contact Us For All Your Air Conditioning Needs
Momentum AC Services is a full-service air conditioning contractor in Tampa that can help you with all of your AC repair, replacement, and ac installation needs. We have been proudly serving the residents of Tampa and the surrounding areas since 2013.
If you’re still undecided, or if you have any other questions about AC repair or replacement, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your home and your family.
