When your air conditioner in Hasbrouck Heights breaks down, 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. For instance, a system that has been well maintained could be a smarter candidate for an AC repair because it will generally have a longer existence than another system that hasn’t been maintained. Many other aspects should be considered in addition to this. We’ve got some questions that can help direct 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 choice to order an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don’t operate as efficiently as they did when they were new—and particularly not as efficiently as a new, energy-efficient model. In fact, you could lower your energy consumption by more than you may know if you swap out your outdated system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Most often, this savings will support investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can differ based on your particular equipment and how well it’s been taken care of, but Energy Star proposes upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your present-day central air conditioner is older than 10 years old.
Outside your unit’s age, check out your AC repair history. If your system has broken down a couple of times, it’s probable to break down again—this situation can end up costing you more money in the future. When you think about possible rebates and enhanced efficiency, is a new system going to be more cost-effective in the end?
Many experts recommend following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your system 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 cozy enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t keeping up.
- Are your energy bills increasing without extra usage? This is a sign that your air conditioner is failing.
- Is your system properly sized? If your unit is too small for your home, it can’t function properly. Likewise, if you’ve recently worked to make your home more energy efficient, your system can in fact be larger than you need to cool a very efficient home.
If you’re not sure if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to get a replacement, ACE Solutions can help! Our specialists can help you establish how much life is left in your system and what the top option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 201-579-2562 to setup an appointment for us to check it out.