Replacing vs. Repairing Your Air Conditioner

With summer quickly approaching, many homeowners may find themselves asking the question: Should I repair my air conditioner or replace it? Since an efficiently running air conditioning system is the key to a cool summer and higher energy savings, it’s ideal to answer this question now rather than later.

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A reputable air conditioning contractor can help you make an informed decision on whether to replace or repair your air conditioning system. Some things to consider are age and efficiency of the air conditioner, whether regular maintenance was preformed and new EPA regulations. Here are some other things to ask yourself in order to determine whether you should simply repair your air conditioning system or replace it all together.

Is my air conditioning system more than 10 years old?

If so, it may not be worth the expense to repair it. You may be better off replacing your old unit with a new, more energy efficient system. Today’s air conditioning systems do a far better job of keeping your home cool all summer while using half the electricity. To be sure you should replace your air conditioning system, have a reputable cooling contractor come out and do an assessment.

Before choosing a new air conditioner, be sure to check out these expert tips.

How frequently is my air conditioner being repaired?

Unfortunately, this may be a sign that your air conditioning system is nearing the end of its lifespan. Even though it means spending more money now, investing in a new SEER rated air conditioning system can actually end up saving you money in the long run. Again, having a good cooling contractor assess your system can let you know if you need to simply repair it or replace it.

Are my ducts properly sealed?

Have the cooling contractor test your home’s ductwork for leaks when they inspect your air conditioner. Improving leaky ducts and having the correct insulation can potentially improve the effectiveness (see why here) of your existing air conditioning system—sometimes as much as installing a new one. To help you decide whether a new air conditioning system is worth the expense, have the inspection of ductwork and insulation done by a knowledgeable cooling contractor.

Does my home score below a five on the Home Energy Yardstick?

ENERGY STAR provides a simple online assessment of your home’s annual energy use. If your score is high, that means your energy use is above average and you may be paying more on energy bills than you need to. Find out how your energy use measures up here.

Are my energy bills going up instead of down?

This is a tell-tail sign that your air conditioning system is no longer running efficiently. Another sign is uneven temperatures throughout your home or noisy operation.

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All these questions factor greatly into whether or not you should replace or repair your air conditioning unit. It’s a tough decision, and this is by no means an exhaustive list of questions to ask. At Accu-Temp Heating & Cooling, we’re focused on giving you the answers you need to make the choice that is right for you.

Serving Metro Detroit since 1983, our goal at Accu-Temp Heating & Cooling is to provide comfort you can feel from a family company you can trust. Give us a call today at 586-598-2828.