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Is It Worth Repairing an AC Unit?


Posted On July 30, 2024

Even the best air conditioner can break down from time to time. With the top AC repair services Bandon offers, you can quickly get your air conditioner fixed and ready to use again. 

However, there are occasions when it might not make sense to get your AC repaired. For example, it may be more cost-effective to replace an older air conditioner. To decide if replacing your air conditioner is worth it, read on.

Should You Get Your Air Conditioner Repaired? 

There are a few factors you should consider before calling for an AC repair service. As a general rule, replacing your AC is often a better choice if your air conditioner is over 10 years old and the repairs will set you back 50% of the replacement cost or more.

Think about the following factors before you replace your AC:

  • Age of your current AC
  • Energy bills
  • Efficiency level 
  • Frequency of breakdowns
  • Cost of repairs 
  • How long you’ll live in your home
  • Expired warranties

Age of Your Current AC

One of the major factors determining whether to get air conditioner repairs is the age of your AC. With proper AC maintenance, your air conditioning system can last up to 15 to 20 years. Average ACs will last 10 to 15 years.

Energy Bills

Have your energy bills gone up recently? If you are paying more for electricity without any clear reason, your air conditioner is operating less efficiently than it should. You should call AC repair contractors to get your system fixed. The amount you save on energy costs can offset the cost of repairs.

Efficiency Level

In the 1990s, ACs only had to have a minimum SEER rating of 10. Depending on where you live in the country, the national SEER rating is now 14 or 15. Different states may set different rating requirements. If you have an older air conditioning system with less energy efficiency, it may be time to update your system.

Frequency of Breakdowns

Even with the best AC repair Bandon offers, you can’t prevent every problem. Once a machine starts to break down frequently, it’s likely at the end of its lifespan. Paying for more air conditioner repairs might not be worth it.

Cost of Repairs

When you work with Alpha Heating & Air, you’ll never have to worry about surprise bills. We will give you an upfront estimate of the AC repair services you need and how much they will end up costing. 

With this estimate, you can determine if it’s worth repairing your air conditioner. If the costs are high enough, you may be better off getting a new air conditioner instead.

How Long You’ll Live in Your Home

When you move to a new house, you won’t get to take a new air conditioner with you. Getting 24-hour AC repair services might be more practical than replacing your AC if you expect to move in the next five years. 

However, it’s also important to keep in mind that a new buyer will likely inspect the house. If the AC is broken or in disrepair, they may negotiate for a lower price. 

Expired Warranties 

Early on in the lifespan of your air conditioner, your warranty will likely cover the cost of the air conditioning repair Bandon offers. 

Many ACs come with a five-year warranty. However, specific parts can have different warranty lengths. If you bought an extended warranty, your air conditioner may be covered for a longer period of time. 

When repairs are covered by your warranty, it generally makes sense to call AC repair contractors to fix your AC.

What Is the Average Life Expectancy of an AC?

While well-maintained air conditioners can last for 15 to 20 years, many ACs break down after 10 to 15 years. The biggest factor is how well you take care of your air conditioner. As a general rule, it makes less sense to repair an AC if it is older or breaks down more frequently. 

If you’re calling for AC repair service frequently and the AC is at least 10 years old, it may be time to get an AC replacement. Your HVAC technician can talk to you about the cost of repairs and whether doing repairs will be worth it. 

How Proper Maintenance Can Prevent Costly Repairs

If you want to avoid future air conditioning repairs, the most important thing is to take care of your AC. We recommend scheduling an AC tune-up at least once a year. Ideally, this tune-up should happen before summer begins so that you don’t have to worry about a breakdown on a hot day. 

Other than a regular tune-up from a professional HVAC technician, there are also things you can do to prevent AC repairs. In general, AC filters must be changed or cleaned every 30 to 90 days. Check with your manufacturer’s guide to see how often your AC will need repairs. Even if you need to change the filter infrequently, you should check it once a month just to be safe during the times of year when you use it the most. 

You should also remove weeds, grass, dirt, and debris that are within 2 to 3 feet of your outdoor unit. Weeds and dirt can cause more moisture retention, which can lead to mold and rust. 

Finally, inspect your machine regularly. Check for leaks, weird noises, and unexpected sounds. If you notice anything that seems off, call your HVAC technician for inspections and air conditioner repair options.

Learn More About the Air Conditioning Repair Bandon Offers 

The best AC repair Bandon offers can fix your air conditioner so that it lasts as long as possible. AC repair services may be worth the investment if you have an older AC unit and plan on living in your house for a long time. Plus, inexpensive repairs are generally worth the money. 

If you’re dealing with an AC malfunction, we can help. Reach out to Alpha Heating & Air to find out how we can help with your AC repair needs.

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