When your air conditioner starts messing up, it can be challenging to determine if you should call for repairs or begin shopping for a new system. You may wonder if a quick fix is the answer or if you are wasting money on an aging system. Understanding the signs and comparing the costs can help you make an informed decision. F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Chesire, CT, wants you to know when AC repair makes sense and when replacement is better.
How Long Do Air Conditioners Usually Last?
Air conditioners usually last 15 to 20 years before needing replacement, but they require consistent maintenance. Climate, usage patterns, and installation can impact their lifespan. If your air conditioner is over a decade old, it pays to evaluate its performance. Consider how often it breaks down and how it affects your electricity costs.
New models are more energy-efficient, quieter, and designed to cool more effectively. While your old AC may technically still work, a newer model could significantly reduce your operating costs.
Signs That AC Repair May Be Enough
Sometimes, AC issues are minor and require only a simple fix. Not every strange noise or hiccup in performance warrants worry. If your system is relatively young, repair may be the best route. Consider these signs that repair may be all you need.
- Affordable and straightforward repair issue
- AC under 10 years old
- No major patterns of breakdowns
- No energy bill spikes
Even if our professionals at F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can repair your air conditioner, it never hurts to consider long-term costs. For example, if you keep paying for minor repairs every summer, these costs can add up over time.
When AC Replacement Is the Better Option
There are times when repairing your air conditioner no longer makes sense. If your air conditioner checks several of the following, replacement may be a better long-term choice.
Frequent Breakdowns
If you need to call a technician every few weeks, your air conditioner is showing signs of severe wear. Frequent breakdowns not only increase repair costs but also mean your system is suffering ongoing damage.
Components may be wearing out one by one, which can cause a domino effect of failing parts. Each issue reduces your system’s lifespan. Eventually, investing in a replacement becomes more economical and less stressful than continuing the cycle of patchwork repairs.
High Repair Costs
This little math problem can help determine if you need an AC replacement. Multiply the age of your system by the repair cost. If that number is over $5,000, replacement usually makes more sense.
Continuing to invest in significant repairs can quickly drain your emergency fund. You could better spend that money on a new system with a full warranty. It only takes one major repair issue to tip the scales toward choosing a system replacement.
Poor Energy Efficiency
Older units often have a SEER2 rating below the current standards. Cheshire’s SEER2 requirement is 13.4. Outdated systems consume more energy and cost more to run.
Newer air conditioners often exceed the bare minimum SEER2 requirements. The highest SEER2 ratings range from 20 to 30. Upgrading to a system with a higher rating will save you money and increase your comfort.
Uneven Cooling
If some rooms in your home are too warm and others are freezing, your system may struggle to distribute air properly. Air conditioners are more likely to fail with age.
Uneven cooling can stem from several issues, including aging ductwork, a failing blower motor, or an undersized or outdated system. These issues frequently become more noticeable with system age. Uneven cooling causes discomfort and signals that your system is malfunctioning.
Excessive Noise
A loud and clunky air conditioner may be on its way out, especially if the compressor or motor starts to fail. Replacing a compressor requires a significant investment.
Use of R-22 Refrigerant
Older systems that still use R-22 refrigerant are expensive to repair and becoming impossible to recharge. The United States is phasing out Freon. Once the current supplies are gone, the country will not replace them.
Your Budget and Long-Term Goals
Think about how long you plan on staying in your home. If you plan to move within the next few years, investing in a new air conditioner may not make much sense. You could consider a new AC before a move, but only if your current system’s age or shape could turn off buyers. In this case, installing a new unit could improve your home’s resale value.
On the other hand, if you plan to stay in your home for a few more years, a new energy-efficient air conditioner could offer many benefits. Consider the following.
- Lower energy bills
- More reliable cooling
- Warranty protection
- Peace of mind
Financing options with approved credit, rebates, and tax credits can make installing a new air conditioner more affordable than you may realize. Our technicians at F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can help determine which system and size will work best in your home.
Repairable Problems vs. Signs of System Failure
Some issues are easy to repair, especially if your system is young. The following are easy fixes.
- Faulty capacitors or contactors
- Thermostat malfunctions
- Clogged drain lines
- Dirty air filter or coil
The following problems are more significant and may signal that it’s time for a new air conditioner. You should begin considering your replacement options.
- Cracked or damaged compressor
- Severe refrigerant leaks
- Major airflow problems
- Rising energy costs
- Ongoing short cycling problems
You should get one of our trusted HVAC technicians at F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling to inspect your system thoroughly. A qualified diagnosis can help you decide between short-term repairs and long-term savings from a replacement.
Are You Interested in Smart Home Upgrades?
Another factor to consider when deciding between repair and replacement is compatibility with smart applications. New air conditioners often come compatible with smart thermostats, allowing you to control your system on the go.
App-based monitoring lets you set cooling schedules and monitor energy usage. You can adjust the temperature from your smartphone and detect system issues before they become severe.
Are you interested in smart home upgrades? Your old system may not support this new technology. Smart technology can boost comfort, lower energy costs, and keep your air conditioner operating more efficiently.
Know When to Move On
Deciding between AC repair and replacement is not always easy. Paying attention to problems like higher repair costs, poor efficiency, and outdated refrigerant can point you in the right direction. Sometimes, a simple fix is all that’s needed. Other times, continuing repair issues and an aging system mean a replacement is the cost-effective choice.
If your air conditioner is delivering more problems than comfort, it may be time to say goodbye. A new system can deliver better efficiency and cooling power, and we can help you choose the right one for your home.
F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a family-owned and -operated plumbing, heating, and cooling contractor in Cheshire. Our mission statement says: “As individuals and as a whole, we will strive daily to ensure the health, comfort, and safety of our customers. With a long history dating back to 1870, we continue to be a one-stop shop for your home needs. From 24/7 emergency repairs to new system installations, we have you covered!”
Call our knowledgeable HVAC technicians at F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling when you need AC repair or replacement in Cheshire or the surrounding areas.
