Springtime provides an excellent opportunity to ensure that our homes are in great shape and ready for the humidity and heat of the summer months. Although routine maintenance can help you to enjoy years of reliable and consistent cooling, there will come a point when you face the decision of whether you should replace your HVAC system or continue to repair any faults. In many cases, it makes financial sense to replace an aged system, but you are likely to want the assurance that you are not jumping the gun. So, here we will explore the topic a little further, so you can make an informed decision.
Factors to Consider:
Before making a snap decision, there are a number of factors you will need to consider. You will need to assess the condition of your home, your budget, your cooling requirements and other factors to assess whether it makes more financial sense to continue making repairs or replace your system.
Leaning Towards Repair:
There are a number of scenarios where a repair is likely to be the best option. These include situations where the coil is frozen, or there is a water leak. These examples tend to be a result of a clogged filter or drain pipe clog. These are relatively simple matters that require a quick fix. You may also experience issues due to an accumulation of debris. This can restrict airflow and compromise performance, but a professional clean can immediately restore system effectiveness and efficiency.
Leaning Toward Replacement:
There are two main reasons why replacement is likely to be a better option. If your air conditioning system is old and appears to have reached the extent of its lifespan, it is probably time to start thinking about replacing your system even if it appears to be still working.
If your system is in need of frequent repairs, replacement is likely to be a viable alternative. When you add up the cost of replacing worn parts, call out technician visits and other repair expenses, replacement probably makes more financial sense. Additionally, if your system is older, you may find that replacement parts are more expensive and difficult to find, which can increase your repair costs further.
The Benefits of Replacement:
Although some homeowners may be discouraged by the initial cost of replacement, it is important to consider the long term expenses of continuing to repair an ailing system. Additionally, it is worth considering that there has been an impressive surge in the development of new technologies in the air conditioning industry. This means that today’s air conditioners are far more efficient compared to models that are even five or six years old. So, while you may need to consider the initial cost, it is worth thinking about the energy savings you will enjoy in the years to come.
If you are still unsure about whether to replace or repair your air conditioner, you should consult a trusted HVAC professional. An experienced specialist will be able to assess your system to determine if it still offers efficient performance and if it makes more financial sense to upgrade your system or continue repairs.