New HVAC

Repair or Replace? When It’s Time for a New Air Conditioner

It’s the decision that no Florida homeowner wants to make. Your air conditioner has broken down, and now it’s time to decide whether to just repair it, or replace it altogether. Scheduling a repair could extend the life of your air conditioning unit, but what if that unit breaks down next year due to another unforeseen issue?

This can be a tough decision for homeowners in Southern Florida to make, but as local air conditioning experts, we have extensive experience in helping homeowners make the right decision for their air conditioning systems. Here’s what you need to know about repairing vs. replacing your air conditioner.

When to Repair Your Air Conditioner

It’s not always easy to detect when it’s time to schedule an AC repair. Some signs of a broken AC unit that you should look out for include:

• Warm air coming from your vents
• Poor airflow throughout the home
• Excess indoor humidity
• Loud noises or strange odors from your AC unit
• Visible Freon or water leaks
• An inaccurate thermostat
• Rising electricity bills

In general, if the AC unit is under ten years old, and the repair cost is under 25% the cost of a new unit, repair is your best option. Repairing your existing unit also makes sense if this is only your first or second AC repair and if your energy bills have not gone up.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Sometimes, though it may seem like a repair will save you money and time, replacing your air conditioner will ultimately be more affordable in the long run. Replacing your air conditioner makes more sense if…

Your air conditioner is over 10 years old

Older air conditioners are less efficient and may use out-of-date (and therefore, more expensive) refrigerants. Replacing your air conditioner with a new, energy efficient unit could end up costing less, in the long run, thanks to greater energy savings and lower maintenance costs.

The damage is more severe

With some air conditioning issues, such as a broken motor, blown compressor, or damaged condenser coils, repair costs are so high that it makes more sense to invest that money in a new unit. If the repair will cost over 25% of the cost of a new unit, it’s time to think about installing a new unit.

Your AC unit is starting to cost you money

Do your electricity bills seem to climb higher and higher, all while AC repairs become more and more frequent? This is a sign that your AC unit is costing you money and that it’s time to invest in a new unit.

Need AC Repair or Replacement? Air-Ref Is Here to Help

Think it may be time for you to schedule AC repair or replacement? Whether your air conditioner is louder than usual, blowing warm air, or constantly running, Air-Ref. Co. Inc. is here to help you get it back up and running while saving you as much money as possible. We proudly serve Southern Florida homeowners in Broward County and up the coast and offer a wide range of HVAC services from routine maintenance to complete system replacement.

Air conditioner trouble? Find out whether repair or replacement is the better decision. Call 561264-8302 or contact us to request your free estimate!