Your AC has been behaving weirdly over the past few days. So, you call your AC technician who comes to take a look at your AC and after diagnosing the problem, he gives you two options - you can either repair the current system or replace it with a new one. This leaves you confused about which option to choose.
Before you jump the gun, there are several factors at play before you can decide whether you want to repair your existing AC or replace it with a new one. Therefore, we’ve prepared a list of 5 questions you need to ask yourself before you arrive at a decision.
1. How old is your current system?
The general lifespan of the air conditioner unit is 10-15 years. However, some systems last longer or shorter based on their usage and how well they are maintained. But if your AC unit is over 10 years old and it often requires repair, then it would save you a lot of money in the long run to just replace your existing AC with a brand new one.
2. How expensive is the repair?
One important factor to consider is the cost of the repair. Is it a minor repair or a major repair. A minor repair which costs very little does not justify replacing your AC. However, if your AC is over 10 years old and the cost of the repair is at least 50% of the cost of a new AC, then it will make more sense to buy a new one instead of wasting money on repairing your current AC.
3. How efficient is your current air conditioner?
The star rating on your AC means so much when it comes to your AC operating efficiency. For example, a 5 star AC offers better cooling and lower energy consumption than a 3 star AC making it beneficial to the environment and your wallet.
However, your air conditioner operating efficiency declines with age. Therefore, your 5 star AC you purchased years ago could become a 3 star AC today due to age and poor maintenance. This could result in higher electricity costs.
In that case, upgrading to a new air conditioner would make much more sense in the long run.
4. Is your current system meeting your needs?
You need to ask yourself whether you have been satisfied with your AC performance. If your AC unit has been struggling to provide optimum cooling or if the energy consumption is high or even if the maintenance costs are high, it may be time to replace your existing AC.
5. Is your current AC unit well maintained?
Timely maintenance has a direct affect on your AC’s reliability, efficiency, and life expectancy. Most of the common AC problems can be avoided by performing routine maintenance. If you’ve been doing the following:
- Changing the filter
- Performing annual tune-ups
- Keeping the outdoor unit free from debris and plant growth
Your AC will operate more efficiently. On the hand if you’ve failed to properly maintain your air conditioner, then you may need to replace it sooner rather than later.