When your air conditioner in Sandpoint stops working, it can be difficult to know if it’s an occasion for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a greater option for the future. The answer isn’t identical for every homeowner. E.g., a system that has been taken care of could be a realistic candidate for an AC repair because it will generally have a longer existence than another system that hasn’t been maintained. Many other influences should be taken into account in addition to this. We’ve got some questions that can help lead you.
How old is your system and how often are you repairing it?
The age of your air conditioner is a large factor in your verdict to call for an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Older systems usually don’t function as efficiently as they did when they were new—and definitely not as efficiently as a new, energy-efficient model. In reality, you could reduce your energy consumption by more than you may know if you replace your aged system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Usually, this savings will support investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can change based on your particular equipment and how well it’s been taken care of, but Energy Star recommends upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your current central air conditioner is greater than 10 years old.
Past your unit’s age, examine your AC repair history. If your system has stopped working several times, it’s probable to stop working again—this circumstance can end up costing you more money in the future. When you consider possible rebates and enhanced efficiency, is a new system going to be more lucrative in the end?
Many technicians recommend following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, exchange the system. If it’s less, just get the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house cool enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t running well.
- Are your energy bills going up without enhanced usage? This is a symptom that your air conditioner is on the fritz.
- Is your system properly sized? If your unit is too small for your home, it can’t run efficiently. Just the same, if you’ve recently taken measures to make your home more energy efficient, your system can in fact be greater than you need to cool a very efficient home.
If you’re not positive if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to get a replacement, Age Heating & Cooling can help! Our specialists can help you decide how much life lingers in your system and what the best option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 208-578-4258 to setup an appointment for us to check it out.