Homeowners are constantly barraged with whether to repair or replace their home appliances. With so many factors, it can be tough to decide what is best for your budget and home. When it comes to air conditioners, there are a few things you need to take into account before you can make a decision. Here are some pros and cons to help you make up your mind.
Planning to Repair Your Air Conditioner
The first thing you need to do is evaluate the cost of the repair. In some cases, the repair might be as simple as topping off the refrigerant or getting a new filter. These kinds of repairs are typically inexpensive and easy to do yourself. However, if the problem is more serious, such as a compressor issue, you might be looking at a bill that is 50% of the cost of a new unit. In this case, it might be better to replace the unit.
Another thing you need to take into account is the age of your unit. If your unit is over 10 years old, it might not be worth repairing because newer models are much more energy-efficient. You could end up spending more on your utility bills than you would on a replacement unit.
On the other hand, if your unit is less than 10 years old and in good condition, it probably won’t need replacing anytime soon. In this case, repairing it makes more sense because you will get many more years out of the unit.
It would help to consider how often you use your air conditioner. If you live in an area with mild weather and only use your AC for a few months out of the year, repairing it might make more sense than replacing it because you probably won’t get much use out of a new unit.
In general, if the repair cost is less than 50% of the cost of a new unit and your unit is less than 10 years old, it makes more sense to repair rather than replace it.
Lastly, you need to think about your DIY skills. If you are not confident in your ability to repair yourself, it might be better to hire a professional. Doing so will likely increase the repair cost, but it will give you peace of mind knowing that the job was done correctly.
Planning to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Even if you decide that repairing your air conditioner is the best option, there are still some circumstances in which replacing it would be better. For example, if your unit needs frequent repairs or parts are no longer available for your model, replacing it might be a better option.
Another thing to consider is whether or not your home can accommodate a new AC unit.
If your current unit is small and does not have enough cooling power for your home, replacing it with a larger unit would be a better option because it would be more efficient and effective at cooling your home.
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, such as extreme heat or humidity, replacing your AC unit with one that has a higher SEER rating—which stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio—would be beneficial because it would use less energy and lower utility costs.
Lastly, if you plan to sell your home in the near future, replacing your AC unit might be a good idea because it would make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
Making the Decision
After considering all these things, you should know whether repairing or replacing your air conditioner is the best option. If you are still unsure, it might be a good idea to consult with a professional AC technician to get their opinion on the matter.
Key Takeaways
- If the repair cost is less than 50% of the cost of a new unit and your unit is less than 10 years old, it makes more sense to repair rather than replace it.
- There are still some circumstances where replacing your air conditioner would be better, such as if your unit needs frequent repairs or if parts are no longer available for your model.
- If you plan to sell your home, replacing your AC unit might be a good idea because it would make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
Final thoughts
Deciding to repair or replace your air conditioner is not always easy. However, by considering the factors discussed in this article, you should be able to make the best decision for your situation.