Oh, the eternal question of anyone who owns an appliance – do I replace, or do I buy a new one? The answer, of course, is different depending on the case. However, there are general tips and guidelines that can lean you toward the most reasonable direction. The question refers to all kinds of appliances but for the sake of this article, let’s focus on air conditioners. They are so necessary for our households and commercial properties that we don’t have a lot of time to weigh the options, do lots of research and then settle on something. We have to act fast, so let’s dig the options together.
When should you repair your air conditioner?
The very first factor to consider when you are deciding is the age of your AC. If you purchased your air conditioner no longer than 10 years ago then it is new enough to be repaired and be brought back to life. The next best thing that I can suggest is, let’s say you’re in Fresno, CA, to find an AC repair service in the Fresno area and have the technician inspect your air conditioner. General inspections don’t cost a lot and technicians understand the complexity of the problem better so, their recommendations are more reliable. Once you have the words of the technician, compare the prices keeping in mind the age of your AC. If it makes sense financially then go ahead and make an appointment for repair.
The frequency of troubleshooting signs matters too. If your AC has broken down for the very first time in even 15 years, then you should consider a repair. In addition to frequency, you should also pay attention to the type of the issue. For example, if it’s freezing then repair is a better option unless it is the 10th time.
When should you replace your air conditioner?
The easy way to answer this question would be if it’s not the cases described in the previous section then go ahead and buy a new one. While there is truth to it, there are still unique cases. First and foremost, the age – if you’ve been using your air conditioner for more than 10 to 15 years then there is a good chance, it’s time to replace it.
Another indicator is the electricity bill that you receive every month. The experience has shown that ACs, which work poorly and are about to break down use more energy because they don’t have the necessary power anymore to cool the house. So, keep an eye on that.
Similar to the repair case, pay close attention to how many times you have fixed the AC. If the same problem occurs again and again then it’s time to say goodbye and get a new one. You should also replace the AC when the total cost of repair exceeds the amount of buying a new one (that’s just basic math).
To put it all together, seek for a professional inspection and finalize your decision based on a careful cost-benefit analysis.
