Repair or Replace? Signs Your Air Conditioner Need to Go

When your air conditioner stops working, you may want to repair it to avoid having to buy a new one. However, you should consider the advice of the technician who comes to evaluate the problem. There are a few situations where you need to replace your equipment. With this information in mind, you will know when to start shopping for a new system.

Old Air Conditioner

Machines that run your HVAC system may last for many years. However, at some time, the cost to maintain or repair them approaches the expense you might pay for a new model. The United States Department of Energy suggests that this point is about 10 years for most air conditioners. Even with regular upkeep, the system will lose productivity and output. By hanging on to an old machine that is not doing its job, you are also missing out on new improvements to HVAC technology that could make your home more comfortable, reduce your energy bills or leave a smaller carbon footprint.

Obsolete Refrigerant

Many old air conditioners use an outdated form of refrigerant, known as Freon or R-22. For the past several years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been phasing out allowed production or import of this refrigerant, due to its contribution to the depletion of the ozone layer. New machines must run on a new form of refrigerant, known as R-410A. As the EPA phases out the construction and HVAC industries’ access to the old refrigerant, it becomes progressively more difficult to service air conditioners that use it. The final phase-out ends in 2020, but you may already have a hard time finding companies providing HVAC services who have access to R-22. Replacing your system solves this problem quickly.

Expensive Repairs

Beyond just regular upkeep, your air conditioner may require repair that costs far too much. A new air conditioning condenser is an investment, for sure. However, paying to keep up an old machine can quickly make you throw good money after bad. If your machine has suffered damage due to weather, theft or simple malfunctioning, ask your HVAC specialist for an estimate of the cost to repair it. If the expenses are half or more of the cost of a new condenser, most experts recommend that you purchase a new machine.

When you have a piece of equipment in your home that has put in a lot of good years of service, it is sometimes difficult to consider tossing it in favor of a new machine. However, if your air conditioner is old, uses outdated refrigerant or requires complicated repairs, you may be better off simply replacing the machine. You will also reap the benefits of new technology and better output from your HVAC system. To talk to an HVAC specialist regarding your Sacramento home’s air conditioning needs, contact Ace Plumbing.