Should I Repair or Replace My Old AC Unit?

As a Florida resident, you rely on air conditioning to keep your home comfortable throughout most of the year. Every summer that goes by, your AC unit gets a little older and a little less reliable. Is a repair all you need to keep it up and running, or could this be the year you replace your old air conditioner? Here are the factors to keep in mind as you make your decision.

System Age

If you’ve had your trusty air conditioner for more than 10 years, it’s time to consider a replacement. Thanks to technological advancements, modern AC units can last 15 to 20 years, so you can look forward to a longer service life from your next investment.

Of course, you’ll only enjoy this improved longevity if you maintain your HVAC system regularly. You can also help your unit last longer by ensuring your technician sizes it properly. Then, follow best practices like shutting the windows while running the air conditioner to reduce wear and tear.

Frequency of Breakdowns

Air conditioners are robust machines, so you shouldn’t require AC repair more than once every few years. If your system has already had multiple breakdowns this year, don’t ignore the problem. Rather than continuing to throw money at the ailing equipment, consider putting your hard-earned cash toward an efficient replacement instead.

Energy Costs

Cooling bills are a thorn in everyone’s side, but you could be paying more than necessary if your AC system is old or in disrepair. Your aging air conditioner has a lower Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) to begin with, probably around 10 to 13 SEER if it’s over a decade old. Then, it has lost much of its efficiency due to wear and tear over the years. Therefore, your 13 SEER unit may operate closer to 10 SEER.

This means you can slash your cooling bills in half if you upgrade to a high-efficiency 20 SEER unit. With our heightened need for air conditioning here in Florida, your investment can pay for itself in just a few years.

Type of Refrigerant

R-22 refrigerant, also known as Freon, is no longer being produced as of January 2020. If your air conditioner is over 10 years old, chances are it runs on Freon, which has been phased out in favor of more eco-friendly R-410A refrigerant, or Puron.

Rest assured that you can continue using your existing AC unit, but keep in mind that repairs could be cost-prohibitive or even impossible if a refrigerant leak develops. Since Freon and Puron are not interchangeable, you’ll need to upgrade your air conditioner if this happens.

Repair Costs

When your cooling system breaks down, it’s almost always best to pursue a home AC repair first. However, pay attention to the price your technician quotes you. If it’s about 50 percent of the cost to buy a new air conditioner, you’re probably better off replacing it. This is especially true if your AC is getting old, your energy bills are on the rise, and you’ve already repaired the unit once this season.

Indoor Air Quality, Home Comfort, and Other Factors

Older air conditioners use outdated technology and may no longer function how they should. This can result in a dusty interior, hot and cold spots, high indoor humidity, and other problems that affect your air quality and home comfort.

Other factors worth your consideration include how loudly your AC operates, the location of the outdoor condensing unit, and whether the system has become an eyesore. These issues may not be enough to sway your decision on their own, but they could tip the scales if other pertinent factors also come into play.

Benefits of Replacing Your Old AC Unit

True, upgrading your air conditioner requires an investment above and beyond an AC repair. But the purchase can pay for itself in many ways:

• Your energy bills Will fall significantly.
• You’ll be less worried about your air conditioner breaking down.
• Your house Will be more comfortable.
• You’ll have renewed warranty coverage in case anything goes wrong.
• Your environmental impact Will go down.
• The system Will run quietly and powerfully.
• The new condensing Unit Will look more attractive sitting outside your home.

Schedule AC Unit Repair or Replacement in Orlando, FL

Whether you decide to repair or replace your air conditioner, Certified Climate Control has you covered. Our technicians have years of experience installing and servicing air conditioners and other HVAC systems, with an A+ BBB rating for your peace of mind. As a preferred dealer for Daikin, Bryant, and other leading HVAC brands, you can trust us to install the best equipment available! Give us a call today to schedule AC repair or replacement in Orlando, FL.