When your air conditioner in Franklin Lakes fails, it can be hard to know if it’s time for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a smarter option for the future. The answer isn’t similar for every homeowner. E.g., a system that has been well maintained could be a realistic candidate for an AC repair because it will almost certainly have a longer lifetime than another system that hasn’t been maintained. Many other aspects should be taken into account on top of 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 arrange an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don’t function as efficiently as they did when they were new—and particularly not as effectively as a new, energy-efficient model. In fact, you could lower your energy consumption by more than you may think if you replace your older 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 exact equipment and how well it’s been maintained, but Energy Star proposes upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your present-day central air conditioner is older than 10 years old.
Beyond your unit’s age, look at your AC repair history. If your system has stopped working several times, it’s likely to fail again—this scenario can end up costing you more money in the long term. When you consider potential rebates and increased efficiency, is a new system going to be more lucrative over time?
Many professionals recommend following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, exchange the system. If it’s less, go for the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house cool 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 breaking down.
- Is your system properly sized? If your system is too small for your home, it can’t function properly. Just the same, if you’ve just taken measures to make your home more energy efficient, your system can actually be greater than you need to cool a very efficient home.
If you’re unclear about if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to think about a replacement, Total Comfort can help! Our professionals can help you determine how much life lingers in your system and what the top option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 201-268-5663 to setup an appointment for us to visit you.