Air conditioners do far more in the home than provide comfortable, cool air. Your air conditioner also filters out airborne particulates. This process keeps the indoor air quality at a healthy level to rid the living environment of harmful pollutants. However, the efficiency of these systems invariably decreases with both time and ongoing wear.
Even with diligent, routine maintenance, the average home air conditioning system won’t last more than 10 to 15 years. At one point in time, your trusty air conditioning system is going to start showing problems that necessitate either cooling repairs or a full-on replacement.
Central Air Conditioner Services Bordentown NJ: When To Repair Vs. Replace Your AC
It is important to know when to repair these systems and when to replace them outright. Knowing this information will allow you to start planning for a replacement in advance. This way, you can make a wholly informed decision instead of a rushed one during an emergency. This article will cover some of the things that you need to consider to determine whether your AC system needs a replacement or repair.
The Age Of Your Home’s Cooling System
Any air conditioning system that is over 10-15 years old will likely need a replacement for several reasons. To start, old and outdated cooling equipment tends to be far less efficient in its overall operation. The compressor in such a unit is very old and will need to use more power as a result. You can always replace this single component.
However, there might be other parts of this equipment that won’t be fully compatible with a new compressor. Also, other parts may have sustained sufficient wear of their own due to their age and the demands that have been placed on them over time.
Age has a very detrimental impact on the overall integrity of many AC components. Some parts might be rusted and worn out. Thus, the system could be operating on borrowed time. It is always possible to replace individual parts. As long as the unit continues to function smoothly and efficiently, replacing various parts should not cause any issue. Once you have to replace individual components regularly, a replacement is worth considering. If your home cooling system happens to be really old, say 15 years or more, then you need to buy a new one.
Efficiency Is A Key Factor When Deciding Whether You Need An AC Replacement Or Repair
Efficiency isn’t just a reference to how well your home air conditioner consumes electricity. It is also referring to the system’s ability to cool your home by producing comfortable air. Efficiency results in savings for homeowners, and this is a benefit that many older AC systems are no longer able to supply. New air conditioning systems use a lot less energy, and without compromising their overall functionality. These options are much more energy-efficient. Manufacturers of home cooling products must meet government mandates and regulations dictating minimum seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). This rating can help you reduce the cost of electricity that’s necessary for powering your cooling system. Thus, whenever AC equipment is 10 or more years old, the best choice is an AC replacement.
How Much Will Your Air Conditioning Repair Cost You?
The costs of an air conditioner repair should never exceed $5k. If an air conditioner stops working, an HVAC expert will suggest calculating the total costs of your AC repair along with the system’s age before committing to a full-on replacement. For instance, might have to pay $400 to repair your 9-year-old AC system. When you multiply the cost of the repair ($400) by the age of your system (nine years), you will arrive at $3,600. This puts you well within the limit of $5k, which makes repairing the system an acceptable choice. If the calculated cost exceeds $5k, however, then replacing the entire air conditioning system is the best decision.
Does Your Home AC System Rely On R-22 Refrigerant?
R-22 (R means refrigerant) is a colorless chemical compound. You can find it in older cooling and refrigeration equipment to produce chilled air, including commercial and residential air conditioning systems. It has proven its worth as a coolant. However, it is also quite harmful to the natural environment. R-22 isn’t directly toxic. However, its non-flammable, non-corrosive, and entirely odorless, molecules within this chemical compound can diminish the ozone layer after being released into the environment.
This reason is why the United States has started phasing the compound out and has banned the import and manufacture of R-22 beginning in 2020. R-22 is currently no longer manufactured in North America at all. The dramatic decrease in production and availability is anticipated to create a steep increase in R-22 prices. With more demand, the cost of owning and maintaining any AC system that relies on R-22 will become impossibly costly. If your AC system was made before 2010, then it probably relies on R-22, and it’s poised to become very expensive to use. The verdict? Get an air conditioner replacement.
Conclusion
When looking for an HVAC service to take care of our AC repair, tune-up, or total system replacement, get in touch with PFO Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our HVAC technicians are high-qualified and diligently trained. They know just what your home air conditioning system needs to continue running at optimum levels of overall efficiency. When your air conditioner is operating as efficiently as it possibly can, your home cooling costs will invariably go down. This is also going to help limit unnecessary AC repairs, even as your AC system remains able to keep your living environment comfortable and enjoyable.
Every one of our HVAC services, including our services for central AC systems, are affordably priced. Our work is backed by a solid warranty. Thus, your satisfaction is guaranteed. To set up your appointment, call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning right now.
Some of the areas we service include Bordentown, Columbus, Crosswicks, Trenton and these zip codes 08505, 08022, 08515, 08601 as well as all surrounding areas in Burlington County, New Jersey.
Click here contact us now or call us at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!