There comes a time in every homeowner’s life where they have to make a decision — do you repair your malfunctioning air conditioner, or do you upgrade to a brand new model? If you’ve found yourself facing this seemingly impossible predicament, ask yourself these three questions to arrive at the best solution for both your home’s climate control and your wallet.
How old is your central air system?
The age of your system can indicate whether or not it’s time to repair or replace. As per the U.S. Department of Energy, a system is expected to last between 15-20 years in total. Another age indicator lies in your unit’s cooling agent. Freon, or R-22, has been phased out in newer models for more energy efficient alternatives. As a general rule, if your air conditioner has outlived its expected lifespan, and/or uses Freon, replacing will get you the most bang for your buck.
How energy efficient is your current unit?
The newer the model, the more efficient it will be for cooling your home on a budget. In fact, the most recently created air conditioner models have been proven to use up to 50% less energy than those installed in the mid-1970s. But that’s not all! Even if your system is only 10 years old, switching to a newer model can save you anywhere from 20-40% on energy costs. In this instance, it’s best to have your local HVAC company come take a look to determine if your unit is sized properly for your home. If not, replace for best results!
How frequently do you run into issues?
While taking age and energy efficiency into account, think about how often you find yourself dealing with air conditioner issues as well. If you feel that you’re constantly calling for service, or are seeing the same problem reoccur over and over, it’s time to replace instead of repair. Another good way to decide is to consider the cost of recent and foreseeable future repairs. If that totals more than 50% the price of upgrading to a new system, you know what the answer is!
Looking for a friendly, reliable and knowledgeable HVAC company in Fairfield County, New Haven County and the surrounding areas? Look no further than Tyler Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration LLC. Call 203-378-4700 to schedule your complimentary consultation and estimate.
