Having issues with your AC unit lately? Repeated trouble could indicate it’s time for AC repair. However, if the problem happens often enough, you may need to consider a full replacement.
To determine if you need central AC repair or replacement, you’ll need to consider the age of the system, refrigerant type, and the frequency of the breakdowns.
At Rock Electrical, our licensed electricians can help with AC repair in Waterford, MI, and the surrounding areas. We also offer AC installation and maintenance, as well as other electrical services. Contact us today to get a quote for our HVAC repair services.
How Can I Tell If I Need AC Repair or Replacement?
Understanding when AC repair makes sense over a full replacement can help you save time and money. Otherwise, you may end up paying for a major repair on an outdated unit, only to have it fail again. This can be frustrating, causing you to waste more money on repairs that don’t work. However, replacing an AC when it only needs a minor fix is an unnecessary waste.
There are three non-negotiable factors that determine whether you need AC repair or replacement:
Evaluate the Age of the AC Unit
Most AC units are designed to last between 10 to 15 years. At this age, many components begin to fail due to wear. As more parts become older, this causes the unit to run inefficiently which makes it cost more to run over time.
If your unit is approaching the 10-year mark or older and is beginning to have trouble regularly, it may be a sign you should consider a full replacement.
A good metric to use is if the AC repair costs are 50% of the cost of a brand-new unit, a full replacement is usually a better option. This is especially the case for systems older than 10 years.
Check the Refrigerant Type
Older AC units may use an outdated refrigerant known as R-22. This refrigerant has been phased out by the EPA due to environmental concerns.
If your older unit is leaking R-22 refrigerant, you won’t be able to replace it due to its scarcity. In this case a full replacement is better than AC repair, because the cost of the refrigerant alone makes the repair impractical.
Newer AC units use a widely available and environmentally safer refrigerant known as R-410A. Switching to this type of unit can save you money in the long run and make it easier to purchase new refrigerant in the future.
Track the Frequency of Breakdowns
A one-time repair for a single component is normal. However, if you need multiple AC repairs for different components, especially if they all occurred within a year or two, it means you’re throwing money away.
Multiple repairs mean the system’s components are nearing the end of their lifespan. Instead of spending money on frequent repairs, it may make more sense to put a down payment on a new, warranted system.
Contact Rock Electrical for AC Maintenance and Repair
If you need AC repair you can trust, contact our licensed electricians at Rock Electrical. With years of experience in the industry, our reliable electricians understand the signs of AC repair vs. replacement, and can help you make the right choice for your system.
We’re a trusted source for AC repair in Waterford, MI, and the surrounding areas, providing professionalism and expertise no matter what the issue is. In addition, we also handle new installations and routine maintenance.
Customer satisfaction is always our top priority, and we go above and beyond to ensure each AC repair is performed to the highest standard.
Want to learn more about our AC repairs? Call us at (248) 620-6555 or contact us online today to get a quote.