Air conditioners are a must for anyone trying to stay cool inside while it’s hot outside. As your AC units work hard to keep you comfortable, regular wear and tear can affect your equipment’s performance. However, it can be difficult for homeowners or property managers to know when a problem means it’s time for repair or an entire machine replacement. Continue reading to learn how to tell if you can repair your AC or if you need to buy a new one.
Signs It’s Time to Repair Your AC Unit
If your air conditioner starts acting differently, don’t ignore it. Chances are those new noises or slowing airflow means you need a repair, not a new AC unit. Not to mention repairing your air conditioner helps lengthen its lifespan. But what changes in behavior warrant repair instead of replacement? Here are a few of the main problems AC units face that can usually be fixed:
New Noises Coming from Your AC
While you might hear the frequent sounds of your AC turning on and off or cooling your rooms on an exceptionally hot day, not all noises are normal. If new sounds start coming from your AC unit, don’t jump to the conclusion that you’ll need a costly new air conditioner. Oftentimes loud buzzing, rattling, or hissing are symptoms of easily fixable issues. The problem could be any number of things like a loose, damaged, or dirty part, clogged filters, or even low refrigerant. Luckily, these are all relatively easy fixes for an HVAC repair professional and don’t require a new air conditioner.
Poor Airflow or Cooling
Perhaps the most infuriating sign it’s time for AC repair is the lack of airflow coming from your unit. This could be a sign of any number of things wrong with your air conditioner, but an HVAC repair professional like the ones at Swyft can find and fix the root cause in no time. Sometimes weak airflow just means the filters and/or air ducts are clogged and need to be cleaned. This can easily be avoided by replacing your filters every three months and having your ductwork professionally cleaned every three to five years.
Your Unit is Under 10 Years Old
Healthy AC units can last up to 10-15 years so ideally you shouldn’t have to replace them before then. You will need to invest in regular maintenance though to keep your unit healthy and even some repairs around the 10-year mark. Not every malfunction warrants a replacement after 10 years though. And investing in an HVAC service professional to perform AC repairs can easily prolong your equipment’s life by another five years or more.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your AC Unit
After a certain point, repairs are no longer an option and it’s time to get a new air conditioner. Replacing your AC unit may be more expensive upfront, but doing so acts as an investment in your property for the next 10-15 years of its life. Keep reading to learn about the main signs it’s time to replace your air conditioner:
Your Energy Bills are Increasing Abnormally
While it’s normal for your energy bill to rise in very low and very high temperatures, excessively high costs can signal that something is wrong with your AC unit. If you suspect your energy bills are higher due to a faulty air conditioner, compare your past AC expenses to your current ones. If they are much higher, then that’s a sign that they are slowing down and not able to work as well as they used to. In this case, it may be time to get a new AC unit that will run faster and more efficiently.
Your Unit is Over 15 Years Old
AC units can typically last up to 10-15 years if you take care of them. This requires regular maintenance and repairs, but these practices could help extend the life of your air conditioners another 1-5 years. If the cost of repairs starts nearing or exceeding the cost of a new AC unit, it may be time to consider retiring the old unit.
Older AC units can also use harmful chemicals. Older air conditioners used the R22 refrigerant, a chemical that has made a major contribution to thinning of the ozone layer. As of 2020, R22 has been banned in the United States. As a result, if your AC unit uses R22 and runs low on refrigerant it’s time for a replacement to an eco-friendlier option.
How to Decide Between Repair and Replacement
Ultimately the decision of whether to invest in AC repair or a new AC unit is up to you. Generally speaking, if the problem is a simple one, a repair makes more sense. If you come across a more serious issue, evaluate the extent of the damage already done to your air conditioner. If the repair calls for a small replacement part, go ahead and do it. But if the repair would be more costly, especially if your AC is over 15 years old, it may be time to replace the entire unit.
Keep Your AC Unit Running with Swyft Property Care
Deciding if it’s time to repair or replace your AC unit can be a daunting task. Luckily you don’t have to go through this alone. Swyft property care’s team of HVAC service professionals can look at your air conditioner and tell you what’s wrong and recommend a repair or replacement. For a reliable maintenance team you can trust, call us for an estimate today and learn how we can keep your AC running smoothly from installation to the end of its life.
