If your air conditioner isn’t providing the cool air it once did, you may wonder if it’s worth repairing. An AC repair may be too costly and burdensome if the unit is over 10 years old. Newer equipment is more dependable and energy efficient. However, HVAC repairs are less costly than replacements, so here are some considerations to help you decide if an air conditioning repair is worth it.
- Age of Your System
- Cost of a Repair
- When Your AC Was Last Repaired
- Your AC’s Efficiency
- Cost of Your Energy Bills
- Have You Had Your AC Repaired When Necessary?
- Has Your Air Conditioner Been Properly Maintained?
Age of Your System
Most well-maintained AC units that are nine years old or younger have a few years of life left. A 10- to 13-year-old, high-use system may wear out more quickly. But it may have more life left if it’s been well-cared for. A 14- to 20-year-old unit should be replaced, as this is the average lifespan of a well-maintained air conditioner.
Cost of a Repair
Age isn’t the only factor in deciding if AC repair is worthwhile. You should consider the repair cost regardless of how long you’ve had your air conditioner. If fixing the unit costs less than 50% of the price of a replacement, repairing it can make financial sense, even if it’s 12 or 13 years old. But even if your AC is around 10 years old, replacing it makes more sense if a repair costs over 50% of the price of new equipment. However, it might be feasible if your AC is just a few years old.
When Your AC Was Last Repaired
If your air conditioner has never been repaired or a breakdown occurs less than once a year, hire a contractor to fix it. But what if you need an AC repair every year or more often? Then it’s more cost-effective to buy a new air conditioner you can depend on.
Your AC’s Efficiency
Energy efficiency is another consideration when deciding to repair or replace your AC. Minimum efficiency requirements have changed over the years. In 1992, a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 10 was sufficient in the Southern U.S. In 2006, it jumped to 13 SEER, and in 2023, the minimum requirement was revised to 15 SEER. Even in the Northern U.S., air conditioners must be rated at least 14 SEER.
Therefore, if your AC is less than 13 SEER, it’s probably old enough to justify replacing. Going from 12 SEER to 16 SEER can lower your cooling costs by 25%. Some air conditioners are rated as high as 25 SEER, but if you have a 14 SEER or higher unit, the cost-benefits of repairing it justify keeping the system a while longer.
Cost of Your Energy Bills
If your monthly utility bills have remained steady or fluctuated as expected with the seasons, it’s worth repairing an AC unit. This means it’s working near peak performance. However, consider AC replacement if your energy bills are higher than the same time last year and the year before that. Sudden, unexplainable increases in energy consumption can mean your air conditioner is near the end of its life.
Have You Had Your AC Repaired When Necessary?
It’s probably not worth repairing an AC unit that’s been neglected. We recommend scheduling yearly professional maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Well-maintained ACs tend to last longer. Those that are repaired promptly also do. Call for help whenever your AC blows warm air, runs constantly, leaks refrigerant, makes unusual noises, or has limited airflow. If not resolved early, bigger problems are likely and AC repair may not be worth it by then.
Has Your Air Conditioner Been Properly Maintained?
Preventative maintenance can make repairing your AC unit worth it. A professional inspection, cleaning, and tune-up can help avoid repairs. But when your AC does need service, the damage is less likely to be as widespread. Also, don’t wait a year until the unit is maintained. You can protect the system with these simple tasks:
- Change the filter every one to three months.
- Keep vegetation and obstructions away from the outdoor unit
- Make sure return registers aren’t blocked.
- Keep supply registers open.
- Clean the evaporator and condenser coils if necessary.
- Seal drafts and insulate exposed ductwork.
Call the Whale Today for AC Repair
Our EPA- and NATE-certified AC repair technicians can fix any problem with any brand of air conditioner. Traveling in fully stocked vans, they can promptly get your system running again. They can replace a fan, fan motor, capacitor, contactor, transformer, or other component, recharge refrigerant, or clear out the drain line. To request AC repair or other cooling services in Vermont, contact us today.