When To Repair Or Replace Your Air Conditioner

A lot of homeowners are wondering when it is time to have an air conditioner repair and when they should replace the unit entirely. Listed below are some factors that you need to consider to help you make an informed decision. Age Of Your Air Conditioner One of the most important factors that you have to consider is the age of your air conditioning unit. This will play a vital role in determining whether it is time for an air conditioning repair or the replacement of your system. Experts from NMB HVAC Pros said they use the 5,000 rule. It involves taking the age of the air conditioning unit and multiplying that by the repair cost. If the total number goes beyond $5,000 then you have to consider replacing your system. For instance, a unit that is 10 years old with a repair cost of $350 equals $3,500. This means it is ok to get an air conditioner repair service. Energy Efficiency Recent innovations in the technology used in AC units have significantly improved their energy efficiency. Energy Star recommends that homeowners upgrade to a system that is energy efficient if their current central air conditioner is at least ten years old. Most North Myrtle Beach HVAC contractors recommend replacing systems that are already 15 years old and above since the average lifespan of an air conditioning unit is 14 years. Consider The R-22 In case your air conditioning unit requires more refrigerant, it means there is a leak in the coolant. Loading a system with R-22 refrigerant called Freon costs as much as $40 to over $175 per pound, which might also include the service call cost. Repairing the leak and adding several pounds of refrigerant can cost between $550 and $1,000. Fixing a leak, putting in refrigerant, and changing the compressor will cost you about the same as purchasing a new low end system. R-22 prices, on the other hand, have increased over the past few years because of the eventual phaseout by the EPA. HVAC manufacturers have stopped developing units with R-22 in 2010 and its production will cease by 2020. Other Important Factors Apart from the age of the unit, a few other signs can indicate that it is time to change your air conditioner, according to Energy Star. Think about how often you make air conditioner repairs, if your energy bills are increasing, and if your house is too hot in the summer. Ask yourself how long you plan to live in the house and what your utilities are like. In case you have an older unit and the air conditioner repair costs you few hundred dollars, then it might not be worth fixing anymore. In case you decide to buy a brand new energy efficient air conditioning unit, you will be able to save about 20% on your heating and cooling costs. On the other hand, a few HVAC contractors say if it is not defective or broken, do not fix it. In case your unit shows no signs of leaks and your bills are low then there is no reason for you to replace your unit. To evaluate the condition of your existing air conditioning unit, it is recommended to schedule an inspection with an HVAC contractor.

Call NMB HVAC Pros if you need air conditioner repair services.

NMB HVAC Pros North Myrtle Beach, SC , 29582 843-353-4089 http://nmbhvacpros.com

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