Figuring out whether to replace or to repair your air conditioner can be a daunting task. You’d be surprised to find out that your aged AC has plenty of life to live even if all signs are indicating otherwise. With a few touch-ups from your preferred Brisbane Air Conditioning contractor, your AC can be up and running again.
On the other hand, it is possible that your unit has hit its expiry date and needs a replacement. As such, you need to decide whether to replace or repair the air conditioner. Here are some tips to guide you in making an informed decision.
Find out the problem and determine the solution
If your AC stops working altogether, check the thermostat’s batteries. If the cells are still good, make sure the temperature settings of the AC are at your desired position. If they are dead replacing them is important. If this solution does not work, call your Brisbane Air Conditioning expert.
When you notice water drips from the AC, check if the PVC pipe exiting the unit is clogged. If so, use compressed air to flush it out according to the instructions of the manufacturer. Squealing or screeching sounds emanating from the blower motor are an indication of a broken belt or motor bearing problem. Adding a lubricant might be a solution. If the problem persists, turn off the air conditioner and call an expert.
Most problems are minor and easy to fix. However, if the compressor of your aged AC has failed, it’s about time to replace. The compressor is the engine of the unit, and the cost of repairing it is as good a buying a new AC.
Consider the age of your AC
It is a folder rule that you should repair your AC if it is less than ten years old. Naturally, there are very few occasions in which you need to replace a less than 10-years old AC when it breaks down. Brisbane Air Conditioning experts advocate for repairs rather than replacement. The only exception to this rule is when the system completely fails to troubleshoot, and it’s already out of warranty. In such an instance, seek several opinions and be outright sure that the only option left is buying a new unit. Typically, the lifespan of an air conditioner is 10-15 years. So when your AC hits the 15th Birthday, it’s time to replace it.
Scrutinize your energy bills
A surefire indication that something is wrong with your AC is a sudden hike in your monthly or annual energy bills. This is true for old systems that have attained their optimal conditions. An old unit tends to overwork due to the natural wear and tear of the parts. It might be time for a replacement if your energy bills have begun to exceed your expected limits.
Calculate the cost of replacement
Before you call in a Brisbane Air Conditioning professional, evaluate the cost of repair. Different contractors use different formulae in computing the price, but most of them share a standard method. You need to replace your AC if multiplying the age of your old AC in years with the cost of repair exceeds the value of a new unit. Consider a repair if multiplying the age of your old AC in years with the cost of repair is less than the cost of buying a new unit.
Maintenance and condition history
How well you have cared for your AC unit significantly impacts your decision to replace or repair it. Have you been cleaning it regularly? How often is it serviced? And, do you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations during your DIY repairs? If you have kept the AC in good shape, it is likely to stay longer than ten years without the need for replacement. On the contrary, if you are not strict on servicing your unit and repairing it as soon as problems appear, you might need a replacement sooner than you think.
The recent performance of the unit will also impact your decision to repair or replace. If the unit is experiencing the malfunction for the first time, there’s a good chance that a repair is a right option. However, if the AC has a history of breaking down every now and them, it’s better to consider a replacement. Besides, change in the usage and occupancy of your home can call for a replacement.
