Air Conditioning Replacement: How to Decide if it is Time

As a homeowner, it can be difficult to decide when it is time for air conditioning replacement. Air conditioning replacement costs can be expensive, and you have already made a substantial investment in the existing air conditioner unit as well as additional expenses on maintenance and repair services. However, the reality is that like all appliances and machinery, air conditioners have an expected lifespan. The key question is when is the best time for air conditioning replacement?

There are a number of factors you can consider to help you determine whether it is time for you to replace your outdated air conditioning with a new unit. You can learn about some of these factors below. For more information and personalized advice, contact the professionals at Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis. We would be happy to evaluate your existing heating and air conditioning system and help you determine whether the air conditioner repair cost outweighs the cost of replacement.

3 Factors for Determining When is the Best Time for Air Conditioner Replacement

The following are some guidelines and questions that can help when determining if it is time to consider air conditioning replacement:

Factor 1: Does Your Current Air Conditioning Still Meet Your Needs?

Is your existing air conditioning unit still able to get the job done? Or does it leave you burning up on hot St. Louis summer days? Air conditioners are supposed to keep the temperature in your home comfortable and cool. If you find that the temperature is not getting cool enough, no matter what setting you choose, then it is a sign that you likely need air conditioning replacement.

Of course, before committing to air conditioner replacement, you should contact a professional to check if your unit can be fixed or repaired, in order to improve the unit's cooling power. In some cases, air conditioning repair can be affordable. However, if technician advises that the necessary fix will be costly, or that there is not much more that can be done, then air conditioning replacement becomes inevitable.

Factor 2: Does Your Air Conditioning System Require Constant Repairs?

Does your air conditioning unit require constant repairs to keep it working properly? Ideally, you want your HVAC system to function consistently, day in and day out without worry. Occasional repair or maintenance work may be required, but that should be sufficient to bring the unit back to its normal operating capacity.

However, if you begin to notice that the unit requires repairs on a regular basis, then that is not a good sign. If the unit regularly breaks down, you can end up spending a significant amount on repair work. In a situation like this, it may be more cost-effective to choose air conditioning replacement instead of paying for ongoing air conditioning repairs.

Factor 3: How Old is Your Air Conditioning Unit?

Is your unit more than 10 years old? Ideally, a well-maintained air conditioning unit can be expected to last around 15 years. By taking good care of your machine, you can often extend the useful lifespan of your air conditioning system. However, if your unit is over 10 years old and you are facing costly repairs, then air conditioning replacement may likely be the mort cost effective solution.

It is also important to keep in mind that older air conditioning units face a number of issues compared to newer units. Older machines tend to be less efficient than newer ones, so operating costs will tend to be higher for the older models. Older units may also rely on Freon for cooling purposes. This can be a problem because this substance is being phased out in favor of newer refrigerants and consequently the cost of Freon is going up. All these factors and more need to be considered, when it comes to older air conditioning replacement.

Learn More About Air Conditioning Replacement

The decision to move forward with air conditioning replacement can be a difficult one, as this can be a costly investment and there are a number of key factors that come into play. For more information about the factors affecting your choice and for help determining whether air conditioning replacement or repair is the most cost effective option for you, contact us at Galmiche & Sons today. We are happy to talk with you to discuss the pros and cons of replacing your heating & air conditioning system and to help you make the best decision.