Should You Repair Or Replace Your Air Conditioner?

As a homeowner, it can be quite frustrating to keep up with basic HVAC maintenance. It’s even harder to know when it’s time to give up on your air conditioner and replace it. Should you repair or replace your air conditioner?

It’s worth repairing your AC unit instead of replacing it if the unit is under 10 years old and repairs cost under $5,000. However, you must replace your AC unit if it’s 15 years old and functioning poorly. HVAC technicians also recommend replacing your AC unit if it uses R-22 refrigerant, as it’s no longer legal to produce.

Make sure to get a lifetime warranty when you install your air conditioner. This can save a fortune when it comes to repairs, or if you must replace the unit. Follow along as we explore when it’s best to repair or replace your air conditioner.

When To Repair Your AC Unit

AC units are more complicated than they seem, yet many problems are repairable, such as:

Your AC Is Under 10 Years Old

AC units can last up to 15 to 20 years if you take great care of them. That said, air conditioners often face problems when they reach 10 years old. Some homeowners mistakenly believe that they must replace their air conditioner if it malfunctions at 10 years old.

However, you could easily get at least another 5 years out of your AC if you repair it instead. It’s worth the cost to repair a 10-year-old AC unit if it doesn’t exceed $5,000. Otherwise, you may want to save the money and invest in a new AC unit.

Short Cycles

Air conditioners are prone to short cycling because of many problems that are relatively simple to repair. Short-cycling is when your AC unit frequently turns on, runs briefly, and then turns off. This is bad for your AC, as it strains many of the key components, such as the blower motor and compressor.

Luckily, short cycling is often due to simple problems, like a dirty filter or faulty thermostat. This can even happen if your air ducts are filled with pet hair, dirt, dust, and debris. Call an HVAC technician to inspect and repair your AC if you experience this problem.

Strange Sounds

Air conditioners are prone to strange sounds that can understandably concern homeowners. For example, hissing, popping, and rattling sounds aren’t normal. Luckily, they often indicate fixable problems like loose bearings, clogged filters, and low refrigerant.

AC units also commonly produce screeching sounds when there is something wrong with the blower motor. It’s important to listen to your HVAC system as it runs so you can catch these problems before they get worse.

You Have A Warranty

You can’t go wrong repairing your air conditioner if it’s still under warranty. Warranties are worth it for any home appliance, whether it be a refrigerator, washing machine, or air conditioner. Each company is different, so yours may be good for 5 years, or even a lifetime.

Lifetime warranties are rare and expensive, but they are worth the investment. They are worthwhile because lifetime warranties are still good even if your AC unit is 15 years old. Otherwise, it’s worth it to at least get a 10-year warranty.

Bad Airflow

Weak airflow is annoying, but it doesn’t mean that your AC unit is broken. Instead, it typically indicates that there is an obstruction in your air filter or ductwork. That’s why HVAC companies recommend that you replace your air filter every 3 months or as needed.

Similarly, air ducts become dirty over time because of hair, dust, dirt, and debris. It takes as little as 3 years for air ducts to become dirty enough that they restrict the airflow in your home. Ideally, you should have your ductwork cleaned every 3 to 5 years.

This is something you must hire an HVAC technician to do as it requires special tools. You can expect to spend between $400 and $1,000 to have your ductwork cleaned by professionals.

When To Replace Your AC Unit

While you must never jump to conclusions, many signs indicate that it’s time to replace your air conditioner, such as:

The Unit Is 15 Years Old

While an AC unit can last up to 20 years, that’s not the typical experience for many homeowners. An AC’s performance begins to suffer significantly at the 15-year mark. By this point, you’ve likely spent thousands of dollars on repairs over the years.

The only time it’s worth repairing a 15-year-old air conditioner is if the repair is minor, like replacing the filter. Otherwise, you would only enjoy your AC unit for another 5 years at best.

Constant Repairs

Does your AC need to be serviced more than twice yearly? If so, it’s a sign that your air conditioner is on its last legs. The average homeowner only needs to service their AC once or twice each year, and that is normal.

Frequent repairs are not only expensive, but they also delay the inevitable. It’s not worth the cost of repairs if your AC is over 10 years old and needs to be regularly serviced. You can save yourself money and stress if you instead replace your air conditioner.

Repairs Cost More Than $5,000

HVAC maintenance is quite expensive. Whether it be repairing the unit or replacing parts entirely, some fixes cost thousands of dollars. However, repairs that exceed $5,000 simply aren’t worth it unless the unit is under 10 years old.

It typically costs between $3,500 and $8,000 to install a new AC unit. Because of that, it’s best to use that $5,000 to cover AC replacement costs. The cost to install an AC unit varies based on labor, parts, and the unit you choose.

Outdated Refrigerant

Old AC units used R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer allowed to be manufactured in the United States. R-22 refrigerant is not only dangerous, but it’s also relatively inefficient. Today, AC units run on R-410A refrigerant, which is significantly safer than R-22 refrigerant.

You can’t replace the refrigerant in your outdated AC unit if it runs on R-22 refrigerant. That’s why it’s better to upgrade to an AC that uses safe, efficient refrigerant. R-22 refrigerant is as bad for the environment, as it is toxic to humans.

How Often Should You Service Your AC Unit?

You must service your AC unit at least once yearly, but many homeowners do it twice yearly. Servicing your AC is the best way to ensure it’s clean and working properly. HVAC technicians inspect the key components of an AC during a yearly service visit.

During the inspection, they can check the refrigerant level, filter, coils, and drain line. They may even need to lubricate the bearings if they’re dry and your AC runs loudly. Routine maintenance is the best way to avoid expensive and inconvenient HVAC problems.

Summing It Up

Repair your AC unit if it’s under 15 years old and you experience poor airflow throughout your home. Short cycles and strange sounds are also easy problems to repair with an AC unit. However, you must replace your AC unit if it’s 15 years old and you need to repair it more than 2 to 3 times per year.

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