How to Determine if It’s Time for an AC Repair or Replacement

When your air conditioner in Asheville breaks down, it can be tricky to know if it’s an occasion for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a better option for the future. The answer isn’t similar for every homeowner. For instance, a system that has been serviced regularly could be a realistic candidate for an AC repair because it will almost certainly have a longer existence than another system that hasn’t been serviced. Many other factors should be thought about additionally to this. We’ve got some questions that can help direct you.

How old is your system and how often are you repairing it?

The age of your air conditioner is a huge factor in your choice to arrange an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Older systems usually don’t operate as well as they did when they were new—and particularly not as efficiently as a new, energy-efficient model. In reality, you could reduce your energy consumption by more than you may think if you replace your older system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Usually, this savings will support investment in a replacement system.

So how old is “too old”? That can change based on your specific equipment and how well it’s been maintained, but Energy Star advises upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your present-day central air conditioner is more than 10 years old.

Past your unit’s age, check out your AC repair history. If your system has broken down a few times, it’s likely to stop working again—this situation can end up costing you more money in the long term. When you take into account possible rebates and enhanced efficiency, is a new system going to be more cost-effective in the future?

Many experts recommend following “The $5,000” rule. Multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the AC repair. If it’s more than $5,000, change the system. If it’s less, go for the repair.

Here are some other questions you should consider:

  • Is your house cozy enough in the summer? If not, your system isn’t running well.
  • Are your energy bills going up without enhanced usage? This is a symptom that your air conditioner is on the fritz.
  • Is your system properly sized? If your unit is too small for your home, it can’t do its job. Likewise, if you’ve not long ago worked to make your home more energy efficient, your system can actually be bigger than you need to cool a very efficient home.

If you’re not positive if you need an AC repair or if it’s time to get a replacement, 1st Choice Service Group Inc can help! Our experts can help you decide how much life is left in your system and what the best option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 828-551-2913 or set up an appointment for us to visit you using our online scheduler.