Remember how your air conditioning system just wasn’t pumping out
cold air at the end of last season like it used to? Now that it’s
just about time to start thinking about A/C again, you might be thinking,
“should I try to get it repaired or would it be worthwhile to finally
replace that old system?” It’s an age old question lots of
homeowners face every single year and we’ve got some great insights
for you below:
Age
Most residential cooling systems only last about 10 years. If you keep
it well-maintained and give it a little TLC every so often, you may be
able to stretch the lifespan a bit, but 10 years is a good average. If
your system is 10 years or older, it’s probably time to replace
it whereas if it’s only a few years old and things have gone awry,
it might be more cost-efficient to have it repaired.
Efficiency
Older systems tend to be less efficient. Advancements in technology and
new standards allow for more efficient pieces of equipment and if your
old system is has a lower SEER rating (below 14) and an AFUE rating in
the 70s or 80s, there’s not much that can be done in order to bring
it back to normal. If this is the case with your system, it’s probably
a better idea to replace it.
Repair Costs
It’s not a bad idea to get an estimate on the repair before making
any final decision. Consider the repair costs and then do some research
on the price of new systems. Keep in mind there are government rebates
and cost-saving initiatives that could make upgrading a no-brainer.
Still unsure about whether you should repair or replace your air conditioning
system? That’s where we come in! The HVAC specialists at Hero Plumbing,
Heating & Cooling are more than happy to assess your situation and
provide you with a number of options. Call us today at (612) 324-1004.
