When your air conditioner in Laguna Niguel fails, it can be difficult to know if it’s a sign 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 probably have a longer lifetime than another system that hasn’t been maintained. Many other aspects should be taken into account additionally 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 huge factor in your decision to order an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don’t operate as efficiently as they did when they were new—and especially not as well as a new, energy-efficient model. In reality, you could lower your energy consumption by more than you may know if you replace your outdated system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Most often, this savings will justify investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can differ based on your particular equipment and how well it’s been maintained, but Energy Star recommends upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your current central air conditioner is greater than 10 years old.
Outside your unit’s age, check out your AC repair history. If your system has broken down a couple of times, it’s likely to stop working again—this situation can end up costing you more money in the long term. When you think about likely rebates and improved efficiency, is a new system going to be more lucrative in the end?
Many professionals suggest following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your equipment by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, replace the system. If it’s less, try the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
- Is your house cozy enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t keeping up.
- Are your energy bills spiking without increased usage? This is a indication that your air conditioner is breaking down.
- Is your system properly sized? If your equipment is too small for your home, it can’t run efficiently. Also, if you’ve recently worked to make your home more energy efficient, your system can actually be larger 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 get a replacement, Ocean Air Conditioning and Heating can help! Our specialists can help you determine how much life remains in your system and what the best option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 949-317-4175 to setup an appointment for us to visit you.