Most Los Angeles County homeowners tell our technicians that they don’t know when to repair or replace their air conditioner, they just want it to work properly! If your AC unit is making strange noises, vibrating out of control, or costing too much in monthly utility bills, you could be faced with costly repairs or a whole new system.
And the last thing you want in the middle of a Southern California summer is to have your AC system out of commission! The expert technicians at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air put together a few things you need to know about air conditioner replacement and repair before making any decisions.
Things To Consider
An informed decision is the best one!
Staying or Moving?
Do you have any plans to leave your current home? A regularly tuned-up and well-maintained air conditioner lasts several years. But if plans to move are on the horizon, it may not be a sound investment to replace an older unit if you’re not sticking around.
Keep in mind that the condition of your air conditioner could play a part in the negotiations or sale price of your home. But if you’re not planning to leave, you can safely replace your unit knowing you’ll see the benefits from it and even take advantage of a long-term extended warranty for additional peace of mind.
Old Unit vs Newer Unit
What is the age of your AC? Any unit less than two to five years will still be efficient and may only require minor repairs, whereas AC systems older than ten years will be less efficient and more of a gamble.
Air conditioner and energy efficiency technology has come a long way in the last ten to twenty years. Lower Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER) come with older models, especially anything older than ten years. Standard efficiency ratings were only 10 SEER ten to fifteen years ago, while in today’s market, new air conditioners have a SEER in the range of 20 to 25!
If you’re losing money every month because you’re running an antiquated air conditioner, repair may not be the most efficient route at this time.
Utility Costs
What is your average energy bill when you’re using your AC regularly? With an older unit that runs constantly but is still not sufficiently cooling your home, your utility bills will climb unnecessarily. Air conditioner replacement will be the more effective choice to solve ongoing problems with expensive bills and excessive energy usage.
With the available smart technology for Los Angeles County homes, your AC system has the potential to be more efficient than ever! Thermostat control, variable fan speed, and even dehumidifiers are just a few of the upgrades that allow you to have more control over your monthly electric bill. Your old AC system can’t do that!
Household Impact
Does your current AC meet your family’s needs? Does it make too much noise? Was it installed in a bad spot? Does it vibrate and scare your pets? Is it loud and disruptive?
Are you embarrassed by how old and ugly it looks when hosting events with friends or family? Does it just cool your home, or can it dehumidify as well?
These might seem like superficial questions, but how you feel about your home and how well you’re able to enjoy it is important. Combine these concerns with the unit’s age, monthly utility expense, and level of efficiency, and you may land in favor of air conditioner replacement.
When You Should Repair Your Air Conditioner
From compressors, condensers, and evaporators to any of the other numerous smaller components, there are several common air conditioner repairs. Costs range from $300 to over $2,000 to replace parts or perform repairs.
Remember to take all of the other potential concerns such as efficiency, the age of the unit, and your monthly energy bills into consideration before paying for repairs. In general, if any type of maintenance will cost more than $5,000, we recommend you skip repairs and choose an air conditioner replacement for the best return on your investment.
When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner
Replacing your AC system will solve issues a repair simply won’t fix. If you need better cooling that works faster, you need a more efficient air conditioner that will make your home more comfortable.
If you want to see a drop in your monthly bills and use energy more responsibly, a newer unit is the way to go. With a new unit also comes an extended warranty that could cover parts and labor if needed later.
Keep in mind, that if a repair is expected to cost more than $5,000, skip it. A new unit will be more cost-effective now and over time.
Repair or Replace: It’s Up To You!
Schedule an evaluation today to see what repairs you may be facing, and which option is best for your Los Angeles County home!
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