Why It’s Smarter to Replace an Older System Rather Than Repairing It
The heat has officially hit Buffalo and many older AC units are struggling to keep up with increased cooling needs.
Air conditioning units are reliable and easily maintained throughout the years. But they will eventually need to be replaced. It’s not uncommon for us to work with homeowners who have had the same unit for 13 years or more. However, at that point, you must weigh the benefits of replacing the unit versus constantly fixing it.
In this blog, we will be talking about why it’s smarter to replace an older air conditioning system rather than repairing it. Of course, every case is different and the skilled team at A.G Roehrig & Sons will work with you to find the best option for your home.
The Lifespan of an AC Unit
Air conditioning units were built to last since many homeowners rely on their systems to stay comfortable within their homes. Each and every year, air conditions must function reliably – and they do so for a long time before they need to be replaced.
The average air conditioning unit has a lifespan of 10-15 years, with some units lasting even longer than that. Modern units are built to last over a decade while also using less energy. This saves homeowners even more money in the long run as they may see a decrease in their energy bill each month.
Regular Maintenance vs Constant Repairs
Regardless of your unit being new or older, regular maintenance is a must. A.G Roehrig & Sons performs preventative maintenance. This means your unit will be less likely to develop more serious (and expensive) problems.
Preventative maintenance often includes:
- Checking electrical connections and system controls
- Topping off the unit’s refrigerant level
- Lubricating moving parts
- Checking and cleaning the filters and drains
- Cleaning the evaporator and condenser air conditioning coils
Air conditioning repairs are a different situation. At that point, your unit is experiencing some sort of malfunction or problem caused by the machinery. This could be from something as simple as a clogged filter to a serious problem like a broken motor.
Over time, despite regular maintenance, your unit may begin to experience problems. There is a point where regular maintenance will turn into regular repairs. If you are noticing that you must call a repair team over twice a year, you may have to consider replacing your unit.
When Replacing Your Air Conditioning System is More Cost Effective
Sometimes, it becomes more cost effective to simply replace your entire unit. This is not a decision we take lightly as we know that air conditioning units do require financial planning. However, if you notice that your unit must be repaired many times a year, the cost of those repairs may be hurting you more in the long run.
The Cost of Repairs
Depending on the type of repair your air conditioning system needs, each repair may cost you between $100-$3,000.
When you add up all the repairs during the final years of an air unit that needs to be replaced, homeowners can spend almost as much as a new unit itself!
This is because repairs don’t guarantee that the lifespan of the unit will be extended by years. While newer units may get such great results from repairs, older units may continue to experience breakdowns despite a problem being repaired.
Savings on Energy
Another cost effective part of replacing an older AC system is the energy savings. These days, we’re all doing our part to use less energy and keep the planet healthier. However, this was not as much of a consideration in the past.
New AC units are built to be energy efficient, which saves homeowners up to 70% in their energy bill! Generally, the older the AC unit, the more savings a homeowner will get once they replace it with a new model.
Schedule Your Consult Today
If you want more information about maintaining, repairing, or replacing the air conditioning system in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’ve been serving the Western New York area since 1929 and pride ourselves on helping the community stay comfortable in their homes.