Deciding If You Should Replace or Repair Your HVAC System
If you live in a place with a hot and humid climate, you already understand the importance of having an air conditioner. However, when your cooling system becomes slow, many wonder, “Should I replace or repair my air conditioning unit?”
Knowing which HVAC services you need for your air conditioning equipment is vital for keeping you cool in your home or workplace. You can have more confidence in your final assessment if you understand the pros and considerations of a repair compared to getting a new unit.
Assessing Your Air Conditioning Unit
Depending on how well you understand your air conditioning system, you may decide if you need replacement or repair services. If your HVAC system is slow, there are three primary things to consider:
- Running with Humidity Higher than Normal: Inside a house or workplace, a system should function with the least amount of humidity possible. You may have a thermostat that detects the humidity of the air inside your space.
If the indicated humidity is higher than usual, it might mean that your air conditioner is starting to break down or requires repair.
- Irregularities in How the AC Is Running: Even though air conditioners in most homes and businesses operate silently in the background throughout the summer, it is not uncommon for people inside to notice inconsistencies.
You may notice the unit running longer than usual to reach the desired temperature or peculiar noises and odors emanating from the unit.
- Having an Older Unit: Although most cooling systems are designed to last up to fifteen years, it is not unusual for some components to wear out or fail during that period. The age of an air conditioner can assist in determining whether it is best to replace or repair it.
Advantages of Getting Your Unit Repaired
A qualified and trustworthy service provider should repair air conditioning equipment. An air conditioning repair may be more cost-effective and sensible than a complete system replacement in some cases.
Some advantages of repairs include:
- Saving on Costs: If repairing a part is the best option for the system, it can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a whole new unit.
- Prolonging the Lifespan of Your Unit: Repairing a part might extend the life of a system by several months or years, giving you more time to plan for a system replacement.
Advantages of Replacing Your Unit
In most cases, replacing an HVAC unit entails replacing the complete system. While this may mean a higher upfront cost, it may give you greater peace of mind and comfort in the long term than waiting for another part to fail and leaving you without air conditioning.
The following are some of the advantages of replacing an air conditioner rather than fixing it:
- Reduce Your Energy Costs: If your system is having trouble cooling the air, it is most likely operating for extended periods, which might result in higher energy costs.
Replacing the unit should improve the new system’s efficiency, potentially lowering energy expenses associated with the previous malfunctioning system.
- Save Money on Expensive Repairs: It may appear to be a large sum up front, but when compared to the nickel and diming that may occur from changing parts regularly, it may end up saving you money in the long term. Investing in a new system now might save you money on a lengthy list of costly repairs later.
Conclusion
Getting your air conditioner repaired or replaced depends on several factors. While replacement may be the more expensive upfront cost, it might be more cost-effective in the long run. Determine your needs and how much time you have until you need to replace or repair your system to make an informed decision.
Are you in need of air conditioning repair in Athens, GA? Stiles Services is a trusted HVAC contractor for your air conditioner repair or replacement needs. Request a service today!
