Repair Or Replace? Tips For Making The Right AC Decision

As we enter the final month of summer, older and/or neglected air conditioners that have been running nonstop will be starting to show signs of fatigue and maybe even failure. Can you get one more year out of your unit, or is it time to upgrade? It’s the age-old question for many homeowners across the nation. Let’s see if Salt Lake City’s top AC repair experts at Scott Hale can help you make the correct decision for your home comfort and your wallet.  

Repair When…

Replace When…

AC Unit is 15 Years Old or More: This is the most important factor to consider when choosing between a repair and replacement. Air conditioners have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. After they hit this milestone, most air conditioners, even if they are meticulously maintained and cared for, will become inefficient and costly to run. Therefore, if your AC unit is 15 years old or more, it’s best to upgrade to an energy-efficient model.

AC Unit Requires Frequent Repairs: All air conditioners will experience some type of malfunction sooner or later. It’s just the way of life! However, there’s a big difference between calling a certified technician once in a while for an emergency repair and having an HVAC company on speed dial. The latter means you’re past due for an air conditioner replacement. A new unit will help you save tons of money on repair services.

AC Unit Repairs Are Too Expensive: It can be hard to pinpoint how much is too much for a repair service, but most HVAC technicians use this formula:

Cost of Repair > ½ Cost of Your New AC

Simply put, if the cost of the repair is higher than half of the cost of a new unit, then just opt for the new unit instead! It’s better to invest in a new air conditioner that is energy-efficient and performs smoothly rather than an old air conditioner that will eventually break down.

AC Unit Uses R-22 Refrigerant: If you haven’t been keeping up with the exciting developments happening in the HVAC industry, you may be unaware that R-22 refrigerant, better known as Freon, is slowly being phased out. Freon is largely responsible for the depletion of the Earth’s ozone layer, so the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is urging HVAC manufacturers to use green alternatives instead. Therefore, operating and repairing a Freon air conditioner will be very costly in the near future.

Choosing between an air conditioning repair and an air conditioning replacement can be quite challenging and stressful. If you need a professional opinion to get peace of mind, please don’t hesitate to contact Scott Hale. Our comfort consultants will be more than happy to help you determine whether your AC is ready to kick the bucket or not. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our HVAC repairs in Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas.