When your air conditioner in West Valley City breaks down, it can be tricky to know if it’s an occasion for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a greater option for the long term. The answer isn’t the same for every homeowner. For example, a system that has been serviced regularly could be a smarter candidate for an AC repair because it will probably have a longer lifespan than another system that hasn’t been serviced. Many other aspects should be considered additionally to this. We’ve got some questions that can help direct you.
How old is your system and how often are you repairing it?
The age of your air conditioner is a huge factor in your choice to order an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don’t operate as effectively as they did when they were new—and particularly not as effectively as a new, energy-efficient model. In fact, you could lower your energy consumption by more than you may think if you swap out your outdated system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Most often, this savings will rationalize investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can differ based on your specific equipment and how well it’s been cared for, but Energy Star recommends upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your existing central air conditioner is greater than 10 years old.
Outside your unit’s age, look at your AC repair history. If your system has failed a couple of times, it’s probable to fail again—this situation can end up costing you more money in the long run. When you take into account possible rebates and increased efficiency, is a new system going to be more economical in the future?
Many professionals recommend following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your system by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, change the system. If it’s less, try the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house cool enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t keeping up.
- Are your energy bills spiking without enhanced usage? This is a indication that your air conditioner is breaking down.
- Is your system properly sized? If your system is too small for your home, it can’t function properly. Likewise, if you’ve recently did something to make your home more energy efficient, your system can actually be bigger than you need to cool a very efficient home.
If you’re not sure if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to get a replacement, Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning can help! Our specialists can help you determine how much life is left in your system and what the ideal option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 801-305-4777 to setup an appointment for us to check it out.