When your AC unit breaks down in the middle of the summer season, it can be extremely frustrating. If your unit isn’t new or the cost of repairs is excessively high, you may consider whether it’s worth repairing your AC unit or just buying a new one.
System Age as a Factor
One of the first factors you want to consider is the age of your system. In general, central air conditioning systems last about 15 to 20 years, assuming they receive proper care and maintenance.
On the other hand, air-source heat pumps have a usable lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. If your existing unit is nearing the end of its estimated lifespan, it’s typically cost-effective to invest your money in purchasing a new unit for your home.
The Use of Outdated Refrigerant
Another thing to consider is the type of refrigerant your system uses. If your repair requires recharging the refrigerant level, it can get quite costly if your system still uses an outdated refrigerant like R22 or R410A.
Instead of paying an expensive price for outdated refrigerant that isn’t safe for the environment, it can be a better option to simply upgrade to a new system that uses one of the safer A2L refrigerants.
Severity of the Repair
Consider the severity of the problem that is occurring with your AC unit. If your equipment has a simple malfunction that requires replacing a single part like a capacitor or thermostat, it makes the most sense to spend a little money to repair your AC to get it working again.
However, if your unit has major damage that requires the replacement of multiple components or even a large component like a compressor pump, it’s important to consider other factors like age before deciding to repair it. Generally, you should avoid paying more than one-half or more of the total cost of purchasing a new system on repairing your existing one.
Considering the Breakdown History
How often your air conditioner breaks down can also play a role in your decision as to whether to invest your money in repairing it or simply replacing it. If your unit has no history of frequent breakdowns, it’s likely your money is best spent on repairing it. However, if your AC unit seems to be breaking down at least once a year, it may be time to consider an upgrade instead of wasting your money on constant repairs.
Using Warranty Coverage
New HVAC systems come with a standard manufacturer’s warranty that will cover the cost of replacing defective components. The longevity of your warranty will be highly dependent on the type of air conditioner you purchase and its manufacturer.
If your existing unit is under warranty, it may simply make sense to repair it since you won’t be paying out of pocket for the repair bill. However, if your warranty coverage has expired, you may want to consider upgrading your unit so that you can go back to enjoying a brand-new warranty for future repairs.
AC Equipment Performance
One factor you don’t want to overlook in your decision of whether to repair or replace your air conditioner is its operating performance. Prior to the issue, was it operating efficiently? If you have noticed a recent spike in your energy bills, problems with indoor humidity, and inconsistent cooling, it’s likely that your existing AC unit is nearing the end of its lifespan. In this situation, deciding to invest in a replacement is the most cost-effective choice for your long-term comfort needs.
The Benefits of Upgrading
When deciding whether to repair or replace your existing air conditioner, it’s important to consider some of the benefits that come along with an upgrade. This will allow you to decide whether investing extra money in purchasing a unit makes more sense than repairing your current one.
Utilizing Tax Benefits
One great reason to consider upgrading your current AC unit is that you can take advantage of current tax credits. The federal government offers a tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 that allows homeowners to claim up to $3,200 when they purchase an energy-efficient HVAC system for their home. It’s important to purchase a unit that’s ENERGY STAR-certified and qualifies for the tax credit. You can determine what units qualify by visiting the ENERGY STAR website.
Apart from this federal tax credit, many local municipalities and even state governments are also offering tax credits to homeowners who invest in energy-efficient air conditioning systems. You’ll likely find that your local utility company will even give you credit on your next energy bill when you show proof of purchasing a new AC system.
Lower Energy Bills
Think about investing in an AC upgrade to take advantage of the energy-efficient features that are present in new models compared to their older counterparts. It’s likely that a new unit will be anywhere between 20% and 40% more energy efficient than your existing air conditioner that’s over 10 years old. You can even purchase a high-efficiency air conditioner to further capitalize on energy savings for the next decade or more.
Higher Home Value
If you plan on selling your home anytime soon, installing a new air conditioning system can be highly beneficial. Prospective home buyers know that purchasing new HVAC equipment is very expensive. People may be willing to pay more for a home that has a newer AC system so they don’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon. This is good news for you as a home seller, because you can boost the value of your residence and get more money out of your home.
Minimal Breakdown Risk
Another great benefit of getting a new air conditioner for your home is that it is very unlikely to break down at any time soon. This can go a long way in giving you peace of mind about getting through the summer season without worrying about your system failing you. Additionally, you always have the backup of a new warranty plan if you do have a defective component inside your system.
Embracing Quieter Operation
One lesser-known benefit of upgrading your air conditioning system is that newer systems are much quieter than outdated ones. This is because newer units have improved fan designs, insulation, and compressors that foster ultra-quiet operation. This can be a big advantage when it comes to relaxing in your home.
Newer Technology Benefits
New air conditioning systems are integrated with new technology that makes them more energy-efficient and functional to use. You can easily integrate your new AC unit with your smart home system to take advantage of features like voice commands.
Reliable AC Repair Service
Meade’s Heating and Air offers reliable AC repair service for the Sterling, VA area. Our technicians can also assist with all your AC replacement, installation, and tune-up needs. Simply call us at Meade’s Heating and Air today to schedule an appointment with one of our helpful AC technicians in Sterling.
