AC Replacement or Repair: Which is Best for Your Air Conditioner?

Living in the Gainesville, FL heat, and experiencing problems with your air conditioning is on the top of any homeowner’s list of dreaded hassles. However, while the scorching sun is certainly a concern, the cost of getting your air conditioning back to working order is often a homeowner’s biggest worry. While repairing your air conditioner might offer a lesser expense at the time, putting a band-aid over a progressively declining unit may lead to higher accumulated costs down the road. Here, we’ll break down the best ways to tell whether AC repair or AC replacement is the optimal option for your home.  

Is It Time to Go for an AC Replacement? 

If your air conditioner is experiencing problems or has stopped working completely, it’s important to consider whether it’s best to repair the damage back to working condition or upgrade your unit for a lasting solution. To do so, there are some key points to evaluate, including the following. 

The Age of Your AC Unit

If your air conditioner is getting up there in years, you may also soon find your home getting up there in terms of indoor temperatures. The lifespan of an air conditioner is about 15 to 20 years. However, to continue cooling your home effectively and efficiently, it’s recommended that you replace your air conditioner with a newer unit after 10 years, or at most 15 years. 

Further, today’s best air conditioners consume 30% to 50% less energy to provide the same cooling power as older models produced in the 70s. So, if your air conditioner is even only 10 years old, replacing it with a newer unit can save you anywhere from 20% to 40% on cooling costs annually.  

Use of R-22 Freon

The federal government has begun to phase our freon to conserve energy across the nation for environmental sustainability. As a result, freon costs have exponentially risen. If your air conditioner still relies upon freon, you’ll soon have to make the switch to an upgraded unit that alternatively uses the new standard of R410A refrigerant. 

If your unit is encountering issues keeping your home or business cool, upgrading now may be the wisest financial decision. 

The Frequency of Repair Needs

All HVAC units will require some repair costs over their lifespan, as any machine or appliance does. However, if your unit has needed frequent repairs in the last few years and is experiencing subsequent issues, a replacement may be your best option. Similarly, if the cost to continue repairing your unit is comparable to investing in a new — and likely better — unit, it wouldn’t make much sense to continue pouring money into your current unit.

The Repair Cost

When considering purchasing a replacement for your air conditioner, it is important to also consider the applicable warranty that comes with your upgrade. If you are having to spend on repairs currently, those anticipated costs may far outweigh the cost of an upgraded unit, especially if the new unit has a valuable warranty that will work to stave off repair costs in the future as well. 

AC Replacement and Repair from Gator Air & Energy in Gainesville, FL

When your AC unit starts giving you problems, our team will expertly assess the state of your air conditioner and provide you with advice on how to best get your home cool once again. Whether repair or replacement is best for your unit, you don’t have to decide with uncertainty. Our team is committed to educating you to make the best decision for your family, considering cost, energy efficiency, longevity, and comfort. 

To ask our experts for advice on whether it’s best to repair or replace your air conditioner and get your home back to being cool and comfortable, contact us today!