Information gathered from our clients and the general public, has shown that people are quite confused when it is time to make a decision on which option is best for their older air conditioner. They are always faced with a challenge of choosing the best option for repairing or replacing their air conditioners. From time to time, we receive complaints such as “I don’t really know if I should just repair or replace it totally.” Some are misled by professionals that it is a MUST to replace their entire system, even when it is not. This question has existed in the minds of virtually everyone who owns an old air conditioner at home or in the office.
In this article, we shall examine some factors you should consider when deciding which is the best option for you. It should, however, be noted that the items listed below are strictly gathered after considering several factors surrounding the repair or replacement of the older air conditioner. If your air conditioner is completely not repairable, then ultimately replacing it would be the better option.
Lower Energy Consumption
New air conditioners tend to be more energy friendly than older ones. Rather than spending a lot to repair that old air conditioner which has caused a serious rise in your utility bills, you can just replace it and get a new one that is better energy-efficient. This will not just save you from having to cope with repairing and maintaining an older air conditioner, but will also help reduce your utility bill. Read more about energy efficiency units on Energy.Gov here.
Repairs cost a fortune
We are not in any way disputing the fact that almost anything can be fixed when it gets bad, but an older air conditioner will continue to generate more and more faults, which may cost a fortune to repair. Some of the cost of repairs is enough to purchase a brand new, better working air conditioner, which can serve its purpose. Before spending so much on fixing an older air conditioner, take enough time to count your costs, you may discover that perhaps replacing your unit will certainly be the better option. Discuss the cost difference with a technician if your air conditioner is older and the cost of repair is extremely higher. A trust worthy technician will show you proof, rather than one who will just throw numbers around.
Age may not be on the side
Ideally, air conditioners in use for more than 15 years should be replaced rather than repaired. This is mainly because an air conditioner has an average life-span of 10-15 years. If you have been using your old air conditioner within this age range, it is far better and economical for you to have it replaced rather than repaired. Technology and guidelines change, making older model parts much more expensive. This can result in higher repair costs.
New Air conditioners are more environmentally friendly
The world is at a point where global warming is a major problem. It will interest you to know that your old air conditioner releases small amounts of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which also contributes to this problem. Older air conditioners have R-22 refrigerant, while the newer ones come with an R-410a refrigerant, which is more environmentally friendly. R22 is being phased out of production because it contributes to ozone depletion and global warming. By January 1, 2020, R-22 refrigerant will be completely phased out. Therefore, if your system was installed before 2010, it probably uses R-22. The HVAC industry is evolving to help provide us comfort while helping save the planet we live in. Read more about R-22 here.
Ultimately, the choice is yours
These are factors to consider if you have an older air conditioner that isn’t completely broken down and you are unsure of where to repair or replace it. Replacing your older air conditioner is good for your home’s utility bill, energy consumption, and helps the environment. If repairing is a better option, for now, there is nothing wrong with that. These are just some factors to consider and varies from home to home. Contact us today if you have any questions.
