Are you facing a costly HVAC repair for your air conditioner?
If so, you have a choice to make. Is it worth the cost of the repair to get your air conditioner fixed, or would it be a better use of your money to simply purchase a new system? This age-old question is one that we all must face at some point in our lives, and at Tri-Elite Advisors, our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make smart decisions about your air conditioner, and your HVAC system as a whole. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when determining if your should repair or replace your air conditioner:
Question #1. How old is your air conditioner?
In general, you can expect your central air conditioner to last you anywhere from 10 to 15 years. If your air conditioner is getting up there in age, it might not be the most economical choice to sink more of your money into getting it repaired, especially when you consider the fact that newer air conditioners are much more efficient than older models, so upgrading could help you save every month anyway. If you are unsure about how old your air conditioner is, write down the serial number and model number and give the manufacturer a call. They should be able to tell you.
Question #2. How energy efficient is your air conditioner?
As we mentioned above, older systems weren’t made to be as efficient as newer models are today, so if you have an older model, it’s probably a safe bet to say that it isn’t as efficient as it could be. But regardless of how old your air conditioner is, it’s worth it to compare its SEER rating to newer models when you’re facing a pricey repair. If your air conditioner isn’t as efficient as it could be, it may make more sense to invest your money in a newer system that can help you save more every month.
Question #3. How much is the repair in question?
The main thing you’ll want to consider when determining whether a repair or replacement is in order is the cost of the repair itself. As a general rule, it’s wise to think about replacement when the cost of the repair reaches approximately 50 percent of your air conditioner’s total value. The difficult part about this rule is that it can be tough to determine exactly how much your system is worth, especially if it is an older system. Another, easier rule to help you determine which route to go is the $5,000 rule. Multiply the cost of the repairs by the age of your system. If that number is more than 5,000, then you’d be better off replacing your system. Some of the most basic and affordable heating and cooling systems start at roughly $5,000, which is where the number comes from.
Whether you need air conditioning repair or replacement, turn to Tri-Elite Advisors. We are your go-to HVAC repair and service experts in Exton. Schedule your appointment today.