Should I Replace or Repair My AC? A Florida Tech Answers

Are you facing an expensive AC repair or having constant problems with it? You might be wondering whether your system is worth repairing or if it’s time to replace it.

Weighing the costs of repairing the unit while potentially dealing with future problems or investing in a replacement means considering multiple factors, which we’ll break down in this article.

How do you decide whether you should repair or replace your AC? You should replace your AC if:

• It requires frequent repairs
• It’s more than ten years old
• Your energy bills are steadily increasing
• It struggles to cool the home
• It needs an expensive repair

Let’s look at each of these situations more closely to help you determine which option will give you the greatest return on investment.

Want a professional technician to take a look?

If you need an AC repair or you’d like to install a new one, Climate Design can help. We consistently go above and beyond customer expectations, and our NATE-certified technicians always provide reliable recommendations and five-star service. Call us at (727) 295-1572 or click the button below.

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If Your AC Requires Frequent Repairs

Suppose you’re looking at spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair your AC (or maybe you’ve already spent that much money). In that case, you’ll likely save money in the long run by purchasing a new AC system instead of continually sinking money into more repairs.

An AC that needs frequent repairs is a big red flag that it’s time to invest in a new system. Plus, if your current AC is older, it’s more likely to require even more repairs in the future because more parts are wearing out.

The best way to determine whether your AC is worth keeping is to talk to an experienced HVAC technician. They’ll diagnose your system and provide you with a professional assessment of options based on the AC’s condition and performance.

If Your AC Is More Than Ten Years Old

If your AC is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be time to replace it. Over time, system performance naturally declines due to wear and tear. Since an old AC needs more frequent work, the total cost of repairs could ultimately be more expensive in the long term than replacing it.

Manufacturers design air conditioners to last about 15 to 20 years. If yours is nearing that age, you may want to consider replacing it. Otherwise, your AC will continue to require additional expensive repairs that would cost more than a replacement.

If Your Energy Bills Are Steadily Increasing

If your energy bills have increased over time, your AC may not be operating as efficiently as it once did. So you might want to consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient system that will cost less to operate.

According to Energy.gov, today’s best air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy than air conditioners made in the mid-1970s. To put that into perspective, replacing your old AC with a more energy-efficient system could cut your utility bills by more than 20-40%.

Before buying a new AC, make sure to look at a system’s SEER ratings. The industry rates air conditioners by their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating, which measures a unit’s energy efficiency. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is, and the more you’ll save on your monthly bills.

Many older AC systems have SEER ratings of 6 or less. Today, regulations require that all new ACs in Florida be a minimum of 14 SEER. If you want to save as much as possible with an energy-efficient AC system, consider purchasing a system with a higher SEER than the recommended minimum.

If Your AC Struggles To Cool Your Home

If you’ve noticed more and more performance issues with your current AC, it might be time to replace it, even if it doesn’t need specific repairs right now.

An AC that can’t keep you as cool and comfortable as it used to is likely wearing out. Other typical performance issues that might indicate it’s time for a replacement include:

• Some rooms in the home are too hot or too cold.
• Your AC is constantly running.
• Your AC isn’t blowing cool air.
• Your home has humidity problems.
• Your system is noisy or makes strange sounds.

If Your AC Needs an Expensive Repair

If the cost of a necessary AC repair is 50% or more of the total value of your current system, it’s probably best to replace it.

Let’s say an HVAC technician tells you that your AC repair will cost about $1,500, and you paid $3,000 for the system. In this case, it may be a good idea to replace your system to recoup your costs, especially if it’s more than ten years old.

However, if your AC is less than ten years old, you should consider whether your manufacturer warranty will cover part of the repair or replacement cost. If it does, you may save money that way, and it might be worth keeping your current system.

To determine if your warranty is still valid, go to your manufacturer’s website and search for your AC’s model number. For reference, the number is on the label of your outdoor AC unit.

Need a Reliable Professional Opinion? Contact Climate Design.

Whether your AC needs to be repaired or replaced, you can count on Climate Design’s experienced HVAC technicians to inspect your AC system and provide recommendations that suit your household needs and budget.

Give us a call today at (727) 295-1572 to schedule a review of your AC system performance to decide if you need an AC repair or installation. Find out for yourself why so many of our customers have trusted our high-quality services for decades. We certainly hope you’ll give us the opportunity to earn your lifetime trust.

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