When to Repair vs. Replace Your AC Unit
It starts with minor signs – you hear a little strange rattling noise, then a weak breeze from time to time. Before you know it, you’re sweating indoors even though your AC is running full blast. Worse, your utility bill is up. Should you repair or replace your AC unit? There are lots of things to unpack here, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. Here is everything you need to know before you make a big decision.
Repair or Replace Your AC
Can’t decide when to repair or replace your AC? Here are the things you need to consider:
The Age Of Your AC Unit
Air-conditioning units aren’t cheap. You want to get the most out of your investment and make it last for years. But if it’s been serving your home for a long time, then maybe it’s time to get an upgrade. Sometimes, upgrading to a more modern unit, which comes with modern tech, is more practical.
Most AC units can last a decade or more. If your unit is under 10 years old, then repairing may be a good option. If it’s older than 15 years, then it’s time to move on and get a new one. Why? Well, aside from the fact that older units are more prone to breakdown, they also consume more electricity, which will drive your electric bill up.
Don’t know how old your AC unit is? Check the manufacturing date on your unit. You can find this at the nameplate on the outdoor condenser unit labeled as “MFR date” (manufacturing date). If you can’t find the MFR (has been erased or removed), write the model number and serial number of the nameplate and search for it online using the brand of your AC to find the manufacturing date.
The Cost of Repairs
Not all repairs are made equal, some require a quick and inexpensive capacitor replacement, which could cost around $200, depending on your AC. While some repairs, such as compressor replacements, refrigerant leaks, condenser coil replacements, and evaporator coil replacements, can cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. That’s usually around 50% of the price of a brand-new unit.
Not sure how to decide on this? You can use the $5000 rule.
Simply multiply the age of your AC unit with the estimated cost of the repair. If it exceeds $5000, then getting a new one may make more sense. Here’s a quick example.
6-year-old AC X $350 repair = $2,100. In this case, it would be more practical to repair your AC unit.
10-year-old AC X $550 repair = $5,500. At this price, you would be better off buying a new unit and replacing the old one.
Your Energy Bill Is Too Expensive
The older appliances get, the more energy they consume. This is because of many reasons; their components wear down, which leads to decreased efficiency. In the case of ACs, developments in technology make more energy efficient components, such as improved compressor design, more precise temperature control mechanism, and better insulation.
If you notice your energy bill rising, and you have an AC unit that is over 10 years old, you are better off replacing than repairing that AC, as it can help you save more in the long run through your utility bills.
How much can you actually save? Newer AC models are 20% to 40% more efficient than older models. That means if you are regularly paying $200 a month, you can save $40 to $80 a month.
Your AC Breaks Down, A Lot
If you have contacted your trusted HVAC technician more than twice in the past 12 months, for different issues about your AC, maybe it’s more practical to replace it. Frequent AC requires will add-up, fast. Instead of fixing it every so often, you could put that money towards a new and more reliable and efficient unit.
Some of the most common AC repairs and replacements, and their costs are:
Compressor repair - $2000 to $2800
Fan motor repair - $350 to $700
Circuit board - $300 to $600
AC leak - $200 to $600
Thermostatic expansion valve - $440 to $700
Evaporator coil - $600 to $2400
Refrigerant recharge - $200 to $500
Some things you need to look for that suggest replacements include; frequent breakdowns, loud or strange noises (banging, grinding, and rattling sound), weak airflow, uneven cooling, leaks and/or moisture around the unit.
Your AC Unit Comes With Dated Refrigerant
Many old air conditioning units use the R-22 refrigerant. However, this product is no longer in production legally in the US as it has been replaced with the new R-4104 refrigerant found in modern units.
Therefore, you should consider replacing your old AC unit if it still uses the old refrigerant since they are more expensive to repair. They are also challenging to repair as you would find it difficult to look for suppliers, in case you need to replace the refrigerant of your unit.
Check what type of refrigerant that your air conditioning unit has and if it’s the old one, the best route for you is to upgrade with a new, modern unit.
Repair or Replace Your AC: Summary
To make it easier for you to decide whether you should replace or replace your AC unit, consider this table as a reference.
Repair
If the repair cost is $5,000 or below
If the unit is less than 5 years old
If it is still covered by warranty
If the unit undergoes a regular maintenance schedule
Replace
If the repair cost is $5,000 or above
If the unit is 10 years or older
If the unit has persistent repair issues
If your energy bills are too high or it comes with an expensive operating cost
In addition to these factors, consider your budget. New AC units can be expensive, especially ones with modern technologies and features. You can find a reputable AC repair service in your area first to address any problems with your unit while you save up for a new AC unit. However, the longer you wait to replace your unit, the more expensive the operating and repair costs will be.