Do I Need AC Installation? Or Just Repairs?
As much as we’d like there to be, there isn’t a clear answer to this question and it can depend on various factors. If you need an opinion from an experienced HVAC technician, feel free to give us a call. In the meantime, here are a few things to consider that can help you make an informed decision.
How Old is the Unit?
If your air conditioner is 15 or more years old, there’s a good chance that you’ll start needing more frequent repairs. If you notice that the condenser needed to be replaced in the spring, and then the motor needed to be replaced last week, the cost of these repairs may add up to be more than the unit is actually worth.
If Costs are Too High
Keep in mind that most homeowners will spend between $5,000 and $7,000 on a new air conditioner.
There’s a simple formula that can help determine if costs are too high for your air conditioner — take the age of the unit and multiply that by the cost of the repair. If that number is higher than $5,000, it’s time to replace the unit.
So, if your unit needs a new start/run capacitor that costs $300 (parts and labor) and the air conditioner is 16 years old, that equals $4,800, which is just below the cost of a new air conditioner.
Are Energy Bills Rising?
Unless there is something significantly wrong with your unit, it can be hard to tell if your utility costs have gotten higher. But over the months, if you start seeing a slow rise on your bill, then the unit may not be performing as efficiently as it once did. Again, if the air conditioner is 15 plus years old, replacing the motor or changing the air filter will probably not have a big enough impact and you may need to replace the unit.