Residential Air Conditioning Unit - Repair or Replace

If you own a home or an apartment, the chances are that at a certain point, you will find yourself debating whether to get your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system repaired or replaced. Will a repair save you time and money or a full replacement that will be cost-effective and efficient in the long run? The repair or replacement question can be answered quickly by considering the following six factors about your HVAC system.

1.Safety

The prime concern with any HVAC system should be whether it Is safe or not. Suppose there are cracks or visible openings that can present a safety hazard. In that case, the repair is necessary as these openings can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Any exposed wires or stuck valves can be fixed with an occasional repair.

2.Your HVAC system age matters

An investment in a new HVAC system is costly. A general rule of thumb is to always begin by observing your system's age. This is one of the most important factors to consider when answering the question of repair or replacement because the average lifespan of an HVAC system is between 10 to 15 years. If it is older than that, a replacement becomes inevitable. If it is relatively new or falls within the average lifespan, then a repair will do just as fine.

3.Is your HVAC system efficient?

An important question to consider is whether your HVAC system is efficient or not? On average, heating and cooling make up to 45% of your utility costs. You can run this percentage against the money you spend monthly on running your HVAC system. You can double-check this number with your neighbors. If it is significantly higher than a repair becomes necessary.

4.Is it making too much noise?

Dust from the environment makes its way through your home into your HVAC system. This causes it to make excessive noise and can reduce its efficiency in the long run. The operating cost also increases, and thus, it is beneficial to get it cleaned. Repairs become necessary if the dust has accumulated in certain parts of your HVAC system.

5.How often do you get it repaired?

If it is an occasional repair that comes every five or six months, then you are good to go. However, if you are getting your HVAC system repaired every month, you likely need to get the whole thing replaced. Repeated repairs can lead to higher costs in the long run. You do not need to get into the specifics and can decide this by multiplying the repair cost with your system's age. If the total exceeds $5,000, then it is likely that a newer system will be more cost-effective in the long run.



6.Personal comfort

HVAC systems can wear out over time or, if not looked after properly, can become inefficient. A general question to ask will be whether the system works throughout the home or not? Does it maintain air quality? Does it retain the same temperature in all rooms, or is it different? Your HVAC system must deliver the same output in all areas of your home/apartment. Regular repairs can keep your system working efficiently.