For AC Repair or Replacement, Age Matters

When the weather heats up in Ohio, the humidity and temps can be just brutal. As a homeowner, you know that having your air conditioning system operating at optimum levels is key. However, there does come a day when one of the most important decisions you will make is whether to repair or replace your air conditioning system. And while no two situations are alike, we have seven factors to consider that will make your decision easier.

1. The WHEN to repair:

When considering repairs, there is a surprisingly simple formula widely used across the HVAC industry for evaluating the best use of your money. Just multiply the unit’s age by the cost of repairs. If the total exceeds $5,000, you’ll want to replace it and most definitely if you find yourself repeatedly repairing the same system.

Unit’s age x cost of replacement = replacement cost.
Example: age of unit, 8 yrs. x cost of repairs @ $1,200 = $9,600 replacement cost.

On the other hand, if your system calls for the occasional repair and performs well overall—or if it’s less than five years old—it’s likely a replacement won’t be necessary for some time.

Either way, your HVAC professional can provide you with a return on investment and lifetime cost analysis to help inform your decision.

2. KNOW your system’s age.

Age absolutely matters when it comes to HVAC. According to ENERGY STAR®, if your air conditioning unit is older than 10 years and/or your furnace is older than 15 years, it’s time to consider a replacement.

3. SAFETY above all else.

Carbon monoxide is a sneaky gas. The second your system presents a potential safety issue to your household—such as carbon monoxide poisoning or being a fire hazard—replacement is the only decision to make.

4. ADVANCEMENTS over time.

The HVAC industry has evolved significantly in recent years. Depending on the age of your system, there are plenty of home comfort advancements that could absolutely transform your air, including drastically improved efficiency, variable-speed and variable-capacity units, indoor air quality innovations, zoning technology that lets you control temperatures in different sections of your home, and smart thermostats with the amazing ability to monitor sensors in all your HVAC equipment to react, diagnose, and troubleshoot.

Also, recent regulation changes mean that older units that still use the ozone-depleting R-22 refrigerant will prove harder and costlier to repair, as this compound is being phased out. In fact, its increasing scarcity is already resulting in inflated prices that will undoubtedly continue to rise at greater expense to homeowners.

5. Personal COMFORT.

Beyond temperature and humidity, there’s the general idea of how your air “feels.” And all the latest advancements can make it so the only way your air ever feels is how you want it to feel. Innovations like smart thermostats offer unprecedented control. Features like zoning ensure different parts of your household deliver and maintain different family members’ personal degree of perfection. Basically, once you get used to living with perfect air, you will wonder how you ever lived without it.

Should you choose to replace your HVAC, your local professional can help you find the perfect system for your home. By considering factors including your home’s layout, current ductwork, and the number of windows in every room, your dealer can quickly identify the right-sized, whole-home system that’s tailored to your comfort.

6. Beyond energy SAVINGS.

Ready to replace? You’ll find added incentives in credits and rebates from manufacturers and your local utility company that often total up to thousands of dollars in savings. Ask your local dealer and/or your local utility company for specific offers available to you.

7. Environmentally RESPONSIBLE.

Choosing an ENERGY STAR® certified product that meets or exceeds federal efficiency standards will greatly minimize energy waste—and that’s something we can all feel good about. Additionally, your product may qualify for even more discounts and saving including tax credits, utility rebates and promotions.

Making the decision to repair or replace your air conditioning unit can be tough. But by considering the unit’s age, repair history, and efficiency, as well as professional recommendations, you can have more confidence in your decision. If you need help with selecting the right AC for your home, reach out to the pros at The Waterworks