Should I Repair or Replace My AC?

If your air conditioning system just isn’t working properly, you could have some major repairs on your hands — you may even be heading towards replacing the unit! Making the choice between AC replacement and repair is a difficult choice for most homeowners. While it’s ultimately up to you to decide whether you need to repair or replace your AC, Ball Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help you consider several important factors.

The Unit’s Age

The first thing you should consider when deciding between repair and replacement is the age of your AC unit. If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, you’ll most likely want to replace it with a newer, more efficient model sooner rather than later. AC units over ten years old run less efficiently due to both age and the limited technology of the previous decade, costing you money on energy bills.

R-22 Use

Does your central AC still use R-22 refrigerant? If so, you’ll most definitely need to choose replacement over repair. Due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been phasing out the production and use of R-22 refrigerant since 2010. As of January 1, 2020, the production of R-22 in the United States is completely prohibited, meaning you’ll be left in quite the bind if your old AC needs refrigerant. It’s better to replace your AC with one that uses R410-A refrigerant instead.

Does Your AC Need Frequent Repairs?

One of the most important signs that an air conditioner needs to be replaced is frequent repairs. While small problems here and there are normal, breakdowns and other major repairs should be a rare occurrence. If important parts of the unit keep failing, you may end up pouring more money into your old AC than is worth it. Ask yourself: is it more cost-effective to keep repairing my AC or would it be better to invest in an air conditioner without all of these problems? You may be surprised to find that AC installation could be cheaper in the long run.

Energy Efficiency

If your AC unit is older than 10 years, seems to run continuously or just doesn’t meet your cooling needs anymore, it’s not working efficiently. This means you’re paying more on your monthly energy bills than you need to. New AC units have a higher starting efficiency than your old AC, both from age and improved technology. While replacement costs are high, you can save hundreds in energy costs each year with a new unit.

Air Conditioner Replacement vs. Repair

In the end, your specific situation will determine the best course of action. For example, if your unit is only five years old but needs a major part replaced, you’ll likely be better off paying for repairs — the unit may even be under warranty. Alternatively, a unit with the same problem that’s more than 10 years old most likely won’t be under warranty and will need to be replaced soon anyway.

If you need help deciding whether AC repair or replacement is right for you, count on the Ball Heating & Air Conditioning team. Our expert technicians are happy to review the situation and give you more information about what each path looks like.

Contact us today to speak to a service representative and start a service request.