AC Repair or New AC, That Is The Question
It's at least one question concerning many homeowners during this initial summer heatwave, as they see their AC repair costs increasing; "Should I pay $300, $500, even $700+ to repair my old central air conditioner, or $3,000, $5,000, $7,000+ to install a new air conditioner?" How did we find ourselves in this situation? The answer is a government ban on the R-22 refrigerant in your home's central AC system.
The government has required that the most common central AC refrigerant (also referred to as FREON) R-22 be phased out by the year 2020. The regulations also require air conditioning manufacturers to cease the shipment of R-22 refrigerant in any new air conditioning systems. When you buy a new air conditioner these days it will most likely contain the more environmentally-friendly R-410A refrigerant or a legal alternative.
This new refrigerant policy is good for the globe, but it has put many homeowners in a bind. The situation raises significant questions about the best solution when an AC problem or AC repair is needed: should the homeowner pay the high price to recharge their system with R-22 refrigerant or buy a new air conditioner altogether?
While the 2020 deadline is still several years away, the average life-span of many home air conditioners is 8-15 years. That creates a conundrum on ac replacement planning. What's the best choice, to repair or replace? Fear not, we're here to help be an honest expert so you can decide what's best for you. There are a few important items to consider that could help the answer to your question become more clear:
1. Monthly Payments
This is number one for good reason. Why? More often than not, the lower monthly payment of a new air conditioner makes it worth while to buy a new system. This is not the only consideration of course, but when it come right down to it, many homeowners are simply having to weigh dollars-to-dollars in their monthly budget. When you look at payments in this way, a new air conditioner will likely win. Here's how:
$300 to $700+ potential cost to repair a refrigerant leak and recharge the system with R-22 refrigerant (depending on area). This does not include any additional repair costs needed or recommended, maintenance, trip fees, etc.
Verses
$79 potential payment on a brand new system
-$20 to $200 (or more) monthly energy savings
= Investment of $59/month to savings of $121/month, depending on the area*
Costs shown are of course *for illustrative purposes and your savings and costs can vary. But in essence, the lesson here is that the financing power of larger air conditioning contractors can often help homeowners a great deal. It could even help them actually make a profit compared to continuing to pay more for higher energy bills, and repair and service their old air conditioner.
2. Seasonal Specials
Many air conditioning contractors run AC discounts and specials during the summer in order to get their air conditioners into as many homes as possible. Summer may not always be the best time to buy a new AC, but when needed, AC companies are more than happy to oblige with significant specials to help them gain new customers. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, for one, typically holds two major seasonal ac clearance sales, one in winter and one for just a few weeks in the peak of summer. By relying on volume, Service Experts is able to provide homeowners major deals on new air conditioners during these times, but they are not likely to discount AC repair services in times of incredibly high demand.
3. Equipment Age
How old is the equipment in your home? You may want to find out because this is a major consideration. If the home's air conditioner was manufactured in the last five years it may be under warranty, potentially making AC repairs much more affordable. Keep in mind though, when an air conditioner of any age requires a refrigerant charge it is usually a symptom of a more serious problem. Despite popular belief, homeowners should never need to add refrigerant to their home's central air conditioner. If more refrigerant is needed it is likely due to a problem, a leak or some other failure. As the air conditioner ages more problems are even more likely.
Due to greater technological advancements and energy savings opportunities (not to mention savings on frustration from breakdowns) our general recommendation is to consider planning to replace your home's air conditioner when it gets 8-10 years old.
Making Your Choice
In the end, the decision to repair or replace your air conditioner is a personal one even after considering these important factors. One last word of advice though... During a summer heat wave, there is no greater comfort than having your home perfectly comfortable from a reliable and energy-saving air conditioner. So consider how much the frustration of dealing with AC repairs during 100+ degree weather is worth to you. Consider our points above... and then make the best decision for your home and family.
[source: http://www.serviceexperts.com/]
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