There are a lot of reasons why homeowners might put off calling for air conditioning repair. They’re hopeful it’ll get better on its own. Or they’re getting by with portable fans. Their AC is kind of cooling their home and it doesn’t seem like it warrants a call for repairs. Yet! For an air conditioner that hasn’t totally broken down, not knowing if you should have it looked at is understandable.
However, we want to make sure that the fear of your AC being unable to be repaired never causes you to hesitate about getting the system checked. We never want a homeowner to feel like replacement is their only option–or to feel pressured into it!
We created this guide to help homeowners know the factors we consider when advising for either repairs or replacement.
When AC Replacement Makes More Sense Than Repair
- Use the 5,000 rule: Multiply the repair cost by the age of your AC unit. If the total exceeds 5,000, replacement is often the better investment.
- System age is 10 to 15 years: Older units are more prone to breakdowns and reduced efficiency.
- Frequent or costly repairs: Ongoing service calls can quickly add up, making replacement more cost-effective.
- Rising energy bills: Declining efficiency often signals it is time for a new, high-efficiency system.
- Inconsistent cooling: If your home has hot spots or struggles to stay comfortable, a properly sized replacement may solve the issue.
- Major component failure: Compressor or coil replacements can approach the cost of a new system.
