When to Replace or Repair Your Aircon?

Air Conditioning Repair Vs Replacement: When to Call an Expert

Have you been noticing strange noises from your air conditioning unit? Or, is your AC refusing to blow out cold air? Aircons experience multiple minor problems over their lifetime. However, if these problems become more frequent, you may be wondering if it’s worth paying out for another repair or replacing the unit altogether.

To make the right decision, you should weigh up a few different factors. One significant factor to consider is the lifespan of your AC. A modern AC can last 15 – 20 years and older units around 10 – 12 years. Plus, the climate where you live will make a difference. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioning.

Safety

If your air conditioning system hasn’t been maintained, it can develop faults over time that will degrade the inside of the unit. Plus, massive amounts of dust and grime build up that’s left unchecked, may cause the unit to overheat and become a fire hazard. If your AC has never had a maintenance check-up, this could mean that the unit has multiple problems that could prove costly to fix. If this is the case, it may be better to install a new AC and keep it maintained, than trying to restore a neglected one.

Age of the Unit

It’s recommended to replace your air conditioning unit every 10 – 15 years, especially if it gets used frequently. This timeframe will of course vary, depending on how well you’ve maintained it. A well looked after AC could last for up to 20 years. Talk with your local air conditioning specialists for advice. If your unit is nine years old and constantly needing repairs, they may advise replacing the AC.

Effectiveness

How effective is your air conditioning at cooling and heating the room? If you start to notice that a room isn’t at the temperature you expected, this could point to your unit not running efficiently. This might mean that a simple fix will suffice, such as cleaning the evaporator coil or topping up the refrigerant. Contact your local aircon experts who can diagnose and repair aircon problems fast and effectively.

Breakdown Frequency

Is your air conditioning system constantly breaking down and needing minor repairs? If this is the case, you might save money in the long run by paying for a new AC now. Old, struggling AC units, can be money drainers, with ongoing repair costs adding up. If you’re constantly on the phone to your AC technician, save yourself a headache and invest in a new unit today.

Repair Costs

Have you called an AC technician and the repair cost quoted is nearly as much as purchasing a new unit? Or, have repair costs in the last year added up to the same as a new AC? These are sure-fire indicators that its worth your while to invest in a new unit. Buying a new air conditioning system is a cost up-front. However, if your AC constantly gets used, this is an investment worth making.