If you have got an air conditioning (HVAC) system, you may be faced with technical issues here and there, after all, it is a machine. What do you first do when your air conditioning (HVAC) system breaks down? Repair it? That could be the first thing that might come to your mind.
However, there are times when the first thing you should do is recognize the time for repair vs. replacement. Though repairing your HVAC system is cost-effective as compared to investing in a new one, it is only the best option if you think the system will perform at its best and you won’t have to invest in a new system.
See, deciding could be a challenge for you when you encounter an issue; therefore, it is always better for an industry professional.
Recognizing the time for repair vs. replacement
As said, recognizing the time for repair vs. replacement is a challenge; that is why we have crafted this blog post to help you.
Keep reading so you can make an informed decision about your broken HVAC system.
AGE OF YOUR AIR CONDITIONER
With growing awareness of environmental sustainability and demand for energy efficiency equipment, the HVAC systems on the market went under major technological changes to satisfy customers’ preferences. However, older generations of air conditioning systems are not as efficient as the new ones.
Moreover, an old unit is not able to function properly when it comes to adjusting to freezing temperature outside. Not only that, but an older HVAC system also adds to the overall energy bill because it takes more electricity to perform at its maximum efficiency, and of course, you would want to avoid that when electricity rates are sky-rocketing.
We always advise our clients to replace their HVAC units if they have exceeded the lifespan of 10 years. Repairing such units is often not worth the money because the replacement is cheaper and has new technology to save your energy costs.
Additionally, repairing an old unit does not guarantee it will not soon again break down. However, if your air conditioning system is comparatively new, a cheaper repair may be your better option.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
One of the most important factors in recognizing the time for repair vs. replacement of your current HVAC system is its energy efficiency. If your air conditioning system is not cooling the room properly or is taking a lot of electricity to cool the space, leading to increased energy expenses, it is time to get a professional’s opinion.
In cases like these, an HVAC technician will generally tell you the better option is to replace your unit because it will save you money in the longer run. While buying the unit, keep note of the Season Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratio; it measures the total energy consumption against the cooling the unit provides over a season.
The older air conditioners have a SEER rating of between 8 and 10, while the new ones on the market come with a rating of at least 13. If you replace your older unit with a new one, you can potentially save up to 28 percent on your electricity expense.
Pros and Cons of HVAC Repair
Opting for HVAC repair provides a lot of benefits. Firstly, if your HVAC service partner is efficient enough to detect issues at the right time, repairs can result in fewer breakdowns. Surrey Air runs frequent checks to determine any issue so that it can be fixed right away for efficient operations in the future.
The second pro, which you are going to like the most, is cost savings. An air conditioning system that has been well-repaired by qualified technicians doesn’t consume much energy to function.
If you think your electricity bill has increased, call Surrey Air to get the most reliable inspection and/or repair services for your HVAC system. We also do maintenance checkups to prevent any future problems that may cause discomfort to you and your family.
There are no drawbacks to repairing your system; however, if you do not start recognizing the need for repair vs. replacement, it might become a disadvantage.
If your system has broken a few times now, is still inefficient, and doesn’t cool properly, you should not consider getting a repair service because it is futile to get repeated repairs for a system that needs a replacement.
Pros and Cons of Replacement
Though buying a new HVAC system as a replacement might be a huge step for you, all the investment is worth it in the end. However, you should only opt for it if your system is starting to age past the recommended life span and is showing signs of or has broken down.
A new air conditioning system is expensive, but it can save you money in the long run. Modern air conditioning systems are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Moreover, nothing can beat the peace of mind you will have when the new system that provides consistent air distribution across the room and will not break down in the near future.
The bottom line is that your HVAC system requires servicing to fix repair issues; however, if system breakdowns have become reoccurring and your unit is starting to age, consider getting a replacement.