Albuquerque is hot, but normally you never expect to end up with a problematic air conditioner. But in the event your Albuquerque air conditioner does break down, you most likely will have to go through a lot of hassle to overcome it. This is the point where you will need to decide whether you are going to repair your air conditioner or buy a new one. We will share few factors to help you make the right decision out of these two options. All you have to do now is to go through what we share and make the right decision.
Find out the age of your air conditioner.
When selecting whether to repair or replace your air conditioning equipment, age is one of the most crucial elements to consider. The Department of Energy estimates that an air conditioner has a 15–20 year lifetime on average.
If your air conditioning unit is more than ten years old, you should think about upgrading to a more efficient one. Although newer designs could be more expensive, they will be more efficient than your old one and will help you save money each month on your energy costs.
See if it has AC R-22 refrigerant.
Some air conditioners need more refrigerant than others. An indication of a coolant leak is this. But not all refrigerants are created equal. R-410a refrigerant, which is thought to be a more ecologically friendly alternative to AC refrigerant, is found in the majority of more recent models. R-22 refrigerant, which is used in earlier models but is being phased out, has grown to be considerably more costly.
In addition to labor charges, the cost of an R-22 refrigerant, sometimes known as Freon, for your system can increase by $40 to $175 per pound. Your HVAC repairs can increase by $1,000 as a result. After 2020, R-22 refrigerant won’t be able to be purchased lawfully. An air conditioner that needs R-22 and has a refrigerant leak is often one that has to be replaced rather than fixed.
Energy Efficiency of AC
It could be time to fix your AC rather than replace it if your energy costs continue to rise but your electric company’s rates remain constant. To figure out how energy-efficient your house is, you can either conduct the calculations yourself or use the Energy Star house Energy Yardstick Tool.
If you expect to stay in your home for 7 to 10 more years, the savings from your new unit can more than offset the price of replacing an outdated AC unit with a new energy-efficient one.
While the typical energy-efficient central air conditioner would cost between $3,730-$7,154, according to many experts, EnergyStar estimates that unit will reduce your home cooling bills by 20–40%.
Cost to Repair the AC
Cost is nearly always at the forefront of every customer’s thought when making selections about HVAC. Of course, cost is one of the main considerations when selecting whether to repair or replace the system.
A fair rule of thumb is that you should replace your AC unit if you plan to live in your house for the next ten years; otherwise, it could be more affordable to repair. An AC unit typically lasts between 10 and 15 years. However, keep in mind that if the air conditioner is older than 15 years, it should be replaced. However, if you are unsure about making a financial commitment, you can use some simple math to conclude.
Total cost of operation
The average cost to repair an AC unit in the US is $336, according to many experts. While the average range of repairs is between $163 and 520 dollars, the most expensive repairs can reach $1100. Additionally, certain repairs can cost more than the typical remedy. For instance, repairing an evaporator coil can cost anywhere between $650 and $1200 while replacing a house air compressor can cost between $1350 and $1800.
Stick to the $5,000 Cost Threshold
You are thus aware of the price of both repairs and replacement for your air conditioner. How do you decide what to do? Many HVAC professionals will base their decision on the $5,000 rule. Just multiply the cost of repairs by the age of the appliance.
For example, your total would be $2,500 if your repairs cost $500 and your unit is five years old. It would be sensible to fix your system in this situation. Your total would be $9,000 if your repairs cost $900 and your unit is 10 years old. It would be sensible to replace your system in this situation.
Find a Professional to Install Your New AC System
No homeowner ever likes to face the challenging choice of whether to replace or repair their system. While there is no way to ensure that your HVAC system will ever require maintenance or replacement, there are steps you can do to reduce the likelihood that this choice will need to be made. Finding a dependable expert for your HVAC requirements is part of this.
Your HVAC system needs routine maintenance every year. The typical cost of this yearly maintenance, which can help you identify little issues before they develop into larger ones and ensure that your HVAC system has all it needs to function correctly, is only between $100 and $150, according to most AC repair service providers.
While the advice provided here is a solid starting point for understanding your HVAC system, deciding whether to repair or replace can be challenging. Every circumstance and every system are unique. A qualified HVAC specialist can assist you not only with routine maintenance but also with the choice of whether to repair or replace your system. Your next move needs to be getting help from the team at Indoor Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, the premier Albuquerque air conditioning specialists, to come to your place and help you with either air conditioning repair or installation. You will receive quality service and a perfect repair or installation, without having to worry at all.
