There’s no worse feeling than turning on your air conditioning system during the hot months — and receiving no cool air. When this unfortunate scenario happens, many people have one question on their minds: should I replace or repair my air conditioner?
When it comes down to it, you’ll want to consider several factors before making your decision. These factors can help confused homeowners know whether or not to repair or replace AC systems.
Are you ready to get started? Let’s go over everything you need to know in more detail below.
What Is the Life Expectancy of an AC Unit?
Knowing when to repair or replace AC systems can be challenging — especially for those who are first-time homeowners. Fortunately, there are a few signs that can help you understand when the time has come for an upgrade. For example, you’ll want to think about whether or not your HVAC system is nearing its predicted life expectancy. Use this guide to learn more:
Important Questions to Ask Yourself
When you encounter an issue with your cooling system, it can be easy to panic — and that’s understandable. Our air conditioners contribute significantly to our comfort during the hottest months of the year, so when something goes wrong, the sense of security we once felt is torn away.
Are you unsure whether you should replace or repair your air conditioner? We’re here to help you make a well-informed decision. Consider asking yourself the following questions to find the best solution for your needs.
How Old Is the AC Unit?
If you’re unsure when to repair or replace AC systems, the first step you should take is to check the unit’s manufacturing date. You can usually find the manufacturer’s date on the side of the unit. As we already mentioned, central air conditioning units can sometimes last up to 20 years or longer with regular maintenance. So if your current system is more than 15 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it.
Older units are more likely to encounter problems and require repairs, which can be a pain to deal with during the summer months. Not to mention, the older your air conditioner gets, the less efficient it will be. Poor efficiency can result in various issues — including higher energy bills.
How Often Do You Need Repairs?
Are you still wondering if you should replace or repair your air conditioner? If so, you’ll want to consider your current unit’s repair needs. It isn’t normal for your cooling system to require frequent, costly repairs. If you’re constantly calling a technician for help with your malfunctioning air conditioner and your system is more than 10 years old, it may be high time for a replacement.
When it comes down to it, the cost to repair your cooling system can add up. Needing frequent repairs can wind up being more expensive than the cost to replace your AC unit. In the end, it can be more cost effective to upgrade your New Orleans AC as opposed to fixing it over and over again.
Is the AC Unit Energy Efficient?
It’s also worth noting that the air conditioners manufactured today are much more energy efficient than those produced a decade ago. So when homeowners feel unsure whether to repair or replace ACs, they should consider the efficiency of their current unit.
On the very first day of 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency changed the minimum SEER ratings that air conditioners can have. In the south, it’s now required that air conditioning systems meet the minimum requirement of at least 15 SEER. In the northern states, AC units must be 14 SEER or above.
So, what does this mean for you? Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings are designed to measure the efficiency of HVAC systems. If your current AC unit is 13 SEER or lower, this means that it’s consuming more energy than necessary to cool your home.
Replacing your air conditioner and investing in a more efficient system can increase your energy savings. As a result, you can potentially lower your energy costs in the long run. It’s also worth mentioning that there are some tax credits available for certain highly-efficient AC systems, which can help you save money where installation costs are concerned.
Choose Keefe’s for Your Cooling Needs in New Orleans, LA!
It’s not always easy to know if you should replace or repair your air conditioner. Hopefully, asking yourself these questions will help you make an educated decision that benefits your home.
At Keefe’s, we’re happy to help you determine whether a replacement or repair is the right choice for your needs. Our knowledgeable technicians can guide you through your options and discuss replacement costs to ensure that you receive the best solution possible. Whether you’ve been needing a repair or have been looking to install a Lennox AC near New Orleans, LA, we’re the team to call. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
