With summer right around the corner, now is the perfect time to consider whether you should repair or replace your air conditioning system.
If you don’t have the time or money to make a repair, it may be time to consider hiring an Air Conditioning Repair and Replacement professional to come out and estimate the replacement.
This article will cover the following topics:
- Signs your AC isn’t working
- When is it time for me to replace or repair my AC?
- Know When to Repair or Replace AC Unit: Comparison Chart
Signs Your Air Conditioning Is Not Working
Your air conditioning is not working, and you’re starting to sweat.
Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Here are 8 signs that your AC is on the fritz:
1. The air is hot and sticky.
2. You can smell something burning.
3. Your lights flicker when the A/C turns on.
4. The fan is blowing, but not much cooler air is coming out of it.
5. You notice that your walls or floors are sweating or wet.
6. You see water pooling around your unit outside the house or at the bottom of the unit inside the house (depending on where it’s located).
7. You’ve checked all of your vents, and they’re clear of any obstructions or blockages that could be preventing airflow.
8. The thermostat says it’s cooler than it actually feels inside your home or apartment.
When To Repair Or Replace Ac Unit?
If you’re considering repairing or replacing your air conditioner, you’ll want to be sure that you’re getting the most out of your investment. Here are 15 factors to consider when deciding whether to go for AC unit repair or replace:
Age of the unit
If your unit was installed more than 10 years ago, it’s probably nearing the end of its life cycle. If it’s older than 20 years, it’s definitely time to start thinking about replacing it with something more efficient and reliable.
Cost of repairs
If your air conditioner is still under warranty, or if an HVAC professional has told you it’s not worth fixing at all (and not just because he wants to sell a new one), it may be time for a replacement.
Frequency of repairs
If you’re having to replace your AC unit every other year, it’s time to start considering whether you should just replace it. As with any appliance, the more expensive parts are going to wear out faster. If you can’t afford to repair your unit, you may as well just buy a new one.
Energy efficiency
If your AC unit is older than 10 years, it’s probably not as efficient as newer models. While this isn’t always true, if you’ve had your current AC unit for more than 10 years and haven’t had any major problems with it and don’t intend on staying in your home for much longer than that, then it may be worth the investment to upgrade to a newer model rather than pay for repairs on an older one again and again over the years (and pay higher energy costs).
Cooling capacity
Cooling capacity refers to how efficiently the system can cool your home. If the unit has been running at full capacity and has struggled to keep up with demand, you may need to replace it. However, repair could be a good option if the cooling capacity is still high and the system is working fine.
Warranty coverage
Warranty coverage depends on what type of AC unit you have—some have lifetime warranties, while others only cover parts for a period of time or require a service call fee in addition to the part itself. Check with your manufacturer for details before making any decisions about repair or replace ac unit.
Energy savings
If you’re concerned with the environmental impact of your home, replacing an old and inefficient AC unit might be a better option than repairing it. The EPA recommends replacing an old unit with a new Energy Star-rated model.
Environmental impact
Your AC doesn’t just affect your wallet — it also impacts the environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, air conditioning accounts for about 10% of total global electricity use, making it one of the largest consumers of electricity worldwide. And because most AC units are designed for year-round use, they use energy all year — even when you don’t need them! So if you have an older unit and want to reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible, replacing that old clunker might be just what you need to do.
Changes in needs
If your air conditioner can no longer keep your home cool, it might be time for a replacement. If your current system is over 10 years old, it’s likely that you’ll see an increase in energy bills and an overall decrease in efficiency. It’s also important to consider whether or not you have plans to renovate the house or add on any rooms in the near future. If so, then a new system may be more practical than repairing an old one.
System compatibility
Most systems are designed with different components that work together to create optimal airflow throughout the home. If one of these components breaks down, it can cause problems with other parts of the system, making them less efficient at cooling down your home. When this happens, it’s best to replace rather than repair it because it will be easier for technicians to fix everything at once instead of trying to diagnose what caused each individual problem first before repairing air conditioning separately later down the line.
Safety concerns
When it comes to air conditioning, safety is the first thing you should consider. If there are any safety concerns with your current unit, it’s time to replace it. This could include anything from a leaky seal to a broken fan belt or other mechanical issues that could cause the unit to explode or start a fire.
Future plans
If you’re planning on moving in the next few years and need to sell your home, then you may be better off buying a new AC unit now instead of waiting for something to go wrong with your current one later on down the road when you’re ready to unload it on someone else! This way, you know exactly what kind of condition it will be in (or if there are any repairs that need to be done) when you put it out on the market later down the road!
Consider your financial situation
If you’re in a position where you cannot afford to replace your air conditioning system, then repairing it may be the best option for you. However, if you are able to afford a new system, then repairing your current one may not be worth it. If this is the case and you decide that replacing your air conditioner is better for your finances, then go ahead and do so!
Energy efficiency regulations
Many states require that all new AC units meet certain energy efficiency standards—and while some older units may meet these standards, they may not be able to meet stricter requirements that come into effect in the future (such as Pennsylvania’s recent requirement that all new air conditioners be at least 70% more efficient than those manufactured before 2007).
Professional advice
Consult with an experienced HVAC technician who can assess the condition of your unit, provide expert advice, and offer recommendations on repair or replacement based on your specific situation.
Know When to Repair or Replace AC Unit: Comparison Chart
When you’re deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioner, it can be hard to know which option is best.
There are plenty of things to consider, like how old your unit is, how much it costs, and what the repair might entail.
So, we created this simple chart to help you decide whether it makes more sense to repair or replace your air conditioner.
| Factors | Repair | Replace |
| Age of the unit | Younger units may be worth repair | Older units may be better replaced |
| Cost of repairs | Affordable and cost-effective | Expensive or frequent repairs |
| Energy efficiency | Older units may be less efficient | Newer units offer better efficiency |
| Repair history | Infrequent or minor repairs | Frequent or major repairs |
| Warranty coverage | Covered repairs are cost-effective | Out-of-warranty repairs may be costly |
| Cooling capacity | Adequate cooling capacity | Improved capacity with a new unit |
| Environmental impact | Repairing reduces waste | Energy-efficient units reduce carbon footprint |
| Changes in needs | The current unit meets the requirements | New unit better suits requirements |
| System compatibility | Components compatible with repair | The new system requires a complete replacement |
| Financial Considerations | Short-term repair cost savings | Long-term energy savings |
Cost to Repair vs. Replace Air Conditioning
When you’re thinking about repairing or replacing your air conditioning system, it’s important to consider the cost of each.
The cost to repair or replace an air conditioning (AC) unit can vary based on several factors, including the extent of the problem, the type and size of the unit, and the region where you live. Here’s a general comparison of the costs involved:
Repair Costs:
- Minor repairs: Minor issues like replacing a fan motor or a capacitor can cost anywhere from $150 to $500.
- Major repairs: More significant problems like replacing a compressor or fixing refrigerant leaks can range from $500 to $2,500 or more.
Replacement Costs:
- New unit: The cost of a new AC unit can vary widely based on factors such as the size of the unit, energy efficiency ratings, and brand. On average, the cost can range from $2,500 to $7,500 or more, including installation.
Additional Costs:
- Installation: If you opt for a replacement, the cost of installation is an additional expense. This can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the installation and any necessary modifications.
- Ductwork modifications: Additional costs may be incurred if your existing ductwork needs modifications or repairs to accommodate the new unit.
- Energy efficiency: While replacing an older unit with a new, energy-efficient model can lead to long-term savings on energy bills, the initial cost of a higher-efficiency unit may be higher.
It’s important to note that these cost ranges are estimates and can differ significantly based on various factors. Consulting with HVAC professionals for accurate assessments and quotes specific to your situation is recommended to make an informed decision. They can evaluate your existing unit, diagnose the problem, and provide recommendations regarding repair or replacement based on cost-effectiveness and long-term benefits.
Get the Best Advice for Your AC from A Professional AC Repair and Maintenance in Doylestown, PA!
You don’t want to be stuck in a hot home!
You need your air conditioner. You need it to run efficiently. You need it to keep you comfortable and cool. But if something goes wrong with your AC, it’s not just inconvenient—it can be downright dangerous! That’s why we’re here: to help you get the best advice for your AC from a professional AC repair and maintenance company in Doylestown, PA.
CDO Heating and Air Inc. is a locally-owned business that has been serving the Doylestown area for over 25 years. We take pride in providing expert repair and maintenance on all makes and models of air conditioning systems, including central air conditioning systems, ductless mini-split systems, heat pumps, and more.
We don’t just want to fix your AC—we want to make sure that it continues to work for years to come! That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of HVAC services, including:
– AC repair
– AC maintenance
– Heating system installation and repair
– Furnace repairs and replacements
– Heat pump installation and repair
– Ductwork repair and replacement
– System checkups
– And many more…
Our HVAC technicians are trained professionals who will arrive promptly at your home or office and get straight to work. We pride ourselves on being honest and straightforward with our customers throughout the process of repairing or replacing their AC units.
So, if you’re looking for a company that can provide high-quality Air Conditioning Repair and Replacement Services in Doylestown at affordable rates, then look no further than CDO Heating and Air Inc. Give us a call today at (267) 481-7787!