We’ve all been there – something in the house breaks, and you aren’t sure if you should invest the money to get it checked out and serviced or just spend a little more to get an entirely new appliance. It’s one thing if this is a TV or a coffee maker – but it’s an entirely different decision when it comes to your home’s air conditioner.
If you replace a cooling unit when it just needs a quick fix, you could be losing out on thousands of dollars. On the other hand, if you try to keep repairing an AC that truly needs a replacement you’ll also be wasting money and time. At Champion Home Services, our team will share some common signs to help determine if you really need a new air conditioner or if all you need is a quick repair!
Common AC Repair Signs
Sometimes air conditioning unit issues aren’t that straightforward. Let’s start by looking at some ways to analyze your HVAC to see if a repair is all you need. Here are a few common indicators that your air conditioner can start with a repair:
- The cooling unit is less than 10 years old
- The cooling unit breaks down less than once a year
- Repair cost is less than getting a new cooling unit
If you find that your cooling unit falls under a few of these signs, it might be best to get an AC repair. If you need help further determining if a repair is right for your HVAC system, contact Champion Home Services and one of our team members would be happy to help and give an assessment and professional recommendation.
Common Air Replacement Signs
While a simple repair would be easier to handle, sometimes it’s best to order a new replacement for your air conditioning system. In any case, seeking a professional to help in the decision-making is recommended. Check out these common indicators that it’s time for an AC replacement.
When Your AC Is Over 15 Years Old
The average AC can last between 14-20 years if well maintained. In our hot Texas summers, that number could vary and sometimes be less when your air conditioner has to work extra hard to keep your home cool.
At times it can be tempting to keep your system going until it breaks down in an effort to save money. If you find that your cooling system is still working fine after 10 years, it might not be a bad idea to call in a professional like one of our team members from Champion Home Services to determine the condition of your unit.
Interest In Air Conditioner SEER Rating
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, also known as SEER, can tell you how efficiently your air conditioner operates. 14 SEER is a respectable efficiency and will keep your costs relatively low.
It might be a good idea to upgrade if your SEER rating is 13 or below. A system with a 16 SEER rating can save you up to 25% on your cooling unit’s costs per year. Efficiency ratings top out at 25 SEER which is the maximum potential for higher energy savings.
Your Energy Bill Costs Increase Suddenly
When you start to notice that your utility bill is increasing but you aren’t changing any habits at home, you may need to look into why your costs are increasing. Unexplained increases in your bill when your normal settings haven’t changed may mean that your air conditioner’s quality is decreasing making it work harder than normal.
If your AC isn’t working properly or efficiently anymore, it can end up costing you a lot of money without you even noticing. Calling a company like Champion Home Services to talk about AC replacement and AC installation services should be your next step.
Your HVAC System Keeps Breaking Down
If you notice that you have to keep fixing little (or even big) things here and there with your AC unit, it may be time to call a professional for a replacement. The amount you spend to fix all of the ‘little’ issues may end up being able to cover a large portion of a new unit. Having a professional HVAC company inspect your system and offer advice can help with your peace of mind.
AC Installation Services
So if you’re still stuck on what to do – whether an AC repair or an AC replacement – contact Champion Home Services to get hands-on service and advice from a professional. We can help you make the right AC repair vs. replacement decision for your family’s needs. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment!
