If your air conditioner is no longer cooling down your home properly or has broken down, then you either need to repair it or have your HVAC replaced. But, it can be quite stressful to figure out which option to go with as it requires spending a lot of money. You might start to wonder whether it’s too early to buy a replacement. Is replacement your only choice? Is there any other option? Asking an
HVAC repair professional for advice can help ease the process.However, a broken down or damaged
air conditioning system is not the only condition in which you should consider getting a replacement. Changes in environmental regulations or technological advancements have brought a significant revolution in the HVAC industry. These changes might prompt you to upgrade your home’s or office’s AC system. Some might view it as an undesirable investment, so it’s best to consider several factors before making a final decision.Keep reading to find out what these factors are to help you make an informed choice in this matter.
The Age Of Your Air Conditioner
According to experts at the National Association Of Home Builders (NAHB), the average lifespan of a typical air conditioning system is usually around 10-15 years. Thus, the foremost thing you need to consider when choosing between repairing or investing in a replacement is the age of your AC system. For an air conditioning system that is more than 9 years old, it is highly unlikely that a repair will be enough to avert the problem or prevent it from recurring.You choose to have your system repaired if the issue at hand is an easy fix, for example, a dirty air filter, a clogged condenser coil, or a worn-out fan belt. You can hire a technician from HVAC contractors in Vancouver for advice as they have the right knowledge and experience to help determine if you need a replacement or repair by looking at your AC’s cooling ducts or the unit as a whole.
How Much Is Your AC’s R-22 Freon Usage
If your air conditioner is not cooling down your home or office effectively, chances are that you have a coolant leak issue at hand. To ensure that it works properly, you need an additional refrigerant such as R-22 or Freon. You may need to spend a huge sum of money if you are using R-22 Freon as a top-up refrigerant for your AC system. This expense is not included in the repair or maintenance or the costs that will pile up in the case of multiple service calls.In addition to this, there is a
ban on the production, import, and use of Freon R-22 in many countries, including Canada, in a bid to contribute to environmental conservation. Although this restriction is appreciated by people from all walks of life, it has ultimately led to an increase in Freon costs. So, if you are using an AC that was installed more than 9 years ago, now is a great time to get an AC system replaced as your current one is using extra Freon.Switching to an air conditioning system manufactured to use non-ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons to adhere to the new, environmentally-friendly regulations is your best option. Another reason to make the switch is that the cost of leakage repair or compressor replacement can be very high especially with added refrigerant.The total cost of buying a new low-end AC system is usually lower than trying to perform these maintenance tasks. Hence, buying a replacement AC is a wise choice over trying to get your current one repaired.
Your AC Is Not Energy Efficient
The energy usage of an air conditioner is measured in SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is the ratio of cooling output of your air conditioner to watt-hour energy consumption. A new air conditioner has a minimum rating of 13. If your AC has a lower SEER rating than this minimum value then it means that its operation costs you a lot of money.New air conditioning units are more energy-efficient, they not only save you from high utility bills but also reduce your carbon footprint. You must get a replacement for your AC system if its SEER rating is below 13.
Repair Costs Are High
Making a cost comparison between the repair and replacement of your air conditioning system is a good solution if you are finding it difficult to choose what option to go with. However, it is important that you remain mindful of the return on investment of replacement when comparing the cost of repair and replacement.A simple repair usually lasts a year or two before the issue recurs or a new one appears, whereas a new air conditioner will be an investment for the next 10 years or more. If the damage is small and easy to fix then get your AC repaired; otherwise, opting for a replacement will turn out to be an effective and efficient investment.Read:
Air Conditioning Myths That Are Hogging Your MoneyAbout Us
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Pro West, we offer expert services in the repair, installation, and maintenance of air conditioning, heating, hydronic, and humidifier systems to our residential and commercial customers in Vancouver and the lower mainland region.
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If your air conditioner is no longer cooling down your home properly or has broken down, then you either need to repair it or have your HVAC replaced. But, it can be quite stressful to figure out which option to go with as it requires spending a lot of money. You might start to wonder whether it’s too early to buy a replacement. Is replacement your only choice? Is there any other option? Asking an HVAC repair professional for advice can help ease the process.However, a broken down or damaged air conditioning system is not the only condition in which you should consider getting a replacement. Changes in environmental regulations or technological advancements have brought a significant revolution in the HVAC industry. These changes might prompt you to upgrade your home’s or office’s AC system. Some might view it as an undesirable investment, so it’s best to consider several factors before making a final decision.Keep reading to find out what these factors are to help you make an informed choice in this matter.