Should You Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner in Bryan County, GA?

Your air conditioner normally does a good job of keeping your home cool, but lately, indoor temperatures have become too warm for comfort. Maybe you’ve called an HVAC tech and they’ve told you that your system is failing. Should you repair or replace your air conditioner?

Learn when to upgrade an AC below, then call us for AC installation in Bryan County, GA.

When To Replace an AC Unit for Bryan County Homeowners

Given the price of air conditioners these days, it’s understandable that you’d rather not purchase a new one if you don’t have to. Here’s how to know whether upgrading your old AC will be worth it.

Your Air Conditioner Is on the Older Side

You may have heard that air conditioners can last for 15+ years, and while that’s technically true, most systems don’t last quite that long. That’s especially so in places with hot summers like Bryan County. Here, your system runs more frequently than it would in a cooler climate. The harder your air conditioner works, the sooner it will break down.

Your air conditioner won’t likely reach the 15-year mark if you’ve neglected maintenance. If you’ve rarely or never had your unit maintained by an HVAC pro, expect it to fail sooner rather than later.

The System Struggles To Keep Your Home Cool

Does your home regularly feel warm and muggy, no matter how long the air conditioner runs? In some cases, you can resolve poor cooling ability with a simple repair. However, in others, a lack of cooling can mean the system is undersized for your home.

If your air conditioner is the wrong size for your house, you might notice that some rooms are warmer than others. The system might also run for longer than expected or turn on and off frequently, which is called short-cycling. Replacing the undersized air conditioner is the only way to solve this issue.

You’re Facing Expensive and Frequent AC Repairs

Should you repair or replace your air conditioner? If you’ve had to repair your system more than once in the past couple of years, you’re probably better off replacing it before it breaks down again. Repairs for major parts, such as the compressor or blower motor, can cost thousands.

To determine whether or not it’s worth repairing your unit, multiply the system’s age by the repair cost. If the number exceeds $5,000, you’re better off replacing the unit.

Your Summer Energy Bills Have Skyrocketed

You probably expect your energy bills to increase in the summer because you’re using your air conditioner more often. But if you notice a massive spike in your cooling bills, it’s a sign that something is amiss with the unit.

The air conditioner might be too small for your Bryan County house, or it may have a mechanical problem, such as a frozen coil or refrigerant leak. An HVAC expert can inspect your system and tell you whether it’s worth repairing.

The Unit Uses Outdated Refrigerant

Was your air conditioner manufactured prior to 2010? If so, it probably uses R-22 refrigerant. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned the production and importation of R-22 refrigerant in the US due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer.

The good news is that you don’t need to immediately replace your old air conditioner if it uses R-22 refrigerant. However, if your unit develops a refrigerant leak, expect to have a tougher time finding replacement refrigerant. You may want to replace your system now to bypass the R-22 shortage.

You Plan To Stay in Your Home for the Foreseeable Future

If you plan on moving in the next couple of years, it doesn’t make financial sense to replace your air conditioner unless you have no other choice. New air conditioners are costly, and you won’t be around long enough to reap the rewards.

On the other hand, if you’re not planning to move for five or more years, go ahead and spring for that new air conditioner.