May 12, 2017
When your air conditioner in Franklin & South Indy stops working, it can be difficult to know if it’s an occasion for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a smarter option for the future. The answer isn’t similar for every homeowner. E.g., a system that has been taken care of could be a realistic candidate for an AC repair because it will generally have a longer lifetime than another system that hasn’t been serviced. Many other aspects should be taken into account additionally to this. We’ve got some questions that can help direct you.
How Old Is Your System and How Often Are You Repairing It?
The age of your air conditioner is a big factor in your verdict to arrange an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don’t run as efficiently as they did when they were new—and particularly not as effectively as a new, energy-efficient model. Actually, you could lower your energy consumption by more than you may think if you replace your aged system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Most often, this savings will support investment in a replacement system.
So how old is “too old”? That can differ based on your exact equipment and how well it’s been taken care of, but Energy Star proposes upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your existing central air conditioner is greater than 10 years old.
Outside your unit’s age, check out your AC repair history. If your system has failed several times, it’s probable to stop working again—this situation can end up costing you more money in the long term. When you think about likely rebates and increased efficiency, is a new system going to be more economical in the end?
Many experts suggest following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your system by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, exchange the system. If it’s less, just get the repair.
Here are some other questions you should consider:
Is your house cozy enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t running well.
Are your energy bills spiking without increased usage? This is a sign that your air conditioner is breaking down.
Is your system properly sized? If your system is too small for your home, it can’t run efficiently. Likewise, if you’ve just taken measures to make your home more energy efficient, your system can actually be greater than you need to cool a very efficient home.
If you’re unclear about if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to think about a replacement, Winters Heating and Cooling can help! Our specialists can help you determine how much life remains in your system and what the ideal option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 317-406-5382 to setup an appointment for us to check it out.