Repair or Replace
Your HVAC Unit?
Factors to Consider when Deciding to Repair or Replace Your HVAC Unit?
This is often the most asked question by homeowners when Superior Service HVAC technicians are assessing and diagnosing their malfunctioning heat pump, air conditioner or furnace. The truth is, every customer’s situation is unique. A variety of factors go into deciding to purchase a new HVAC system or repair your existing HVAC unit. This is where working with a reputable HVAC company that you can trust can help guide you to making the right decision for you and your family. Unfortunately, some HVAC companies are not always completely transparent or fail to provide their customers with all the information they need to come to the right decision. Below are some basic factors to consider when deciding to repair or replace your HVAC unit.
The Repair Vs Replace Matrix
How Old is Your HVAC System?
The age of your HVAC unit is one of the most obvious factors to consider and should be the first question asked by an HVAC company when helping a customer assess their current heat pump, air conditioner or furnace. The age of your heating and cooling system extends beyond just the average wear and tear over the years. Most of the older units run off of r22 refrigerant, which is currently in the final stages of being phased out. This has led to drastic price hikes in regular maintenance costs, which will only continue to make maintaining your HVAC system more expensive over time.
- Under 12 to 15 Years Old: REPAIR
- Over 12 to 15 Years Old: REPLACE
What Type of Problem is Your HVAC Unit Currently Experiencing?
Not all HVAC repairs are created equal. The extent of your system’s problem can largely impact the average consumer’s decision for heating and AC repair or replacement. Minor problems can cost a fraction of the out-of-pocket expenses that a major repair could.
- Minor Problems (Broken Ductwork, Clogged Drain Line, Electrical Issues): REPAIR
- Major Problems (Broken Blower Motor, Compressor, Condenser Coils): REPLACE
What is the Total Estimate of your HVAC Repair?
When considering the cost of a newer unit vs. the cost of the HVAC repair, it should be viewed similarly to how car insurance companies deem a vehicle totaled if the estimated costs exceed the value of the car.
However, unlike cars, your HVAC system can be an investment over time when it comes to energy savings. With the latest advances in energy-efficient systems, measuring the repair cost can be crucial in deciding whether to make just one expensive repair or do an entire system replacement.
- Cost of repair is LESS than 25% of the new HVAC unit (and/or is still under warranty): REPAIR
- Cost of repair is MORE than 25% of new HVAC Unit (and is NOT covered under warranty): REPLACE
What is the Energy Efficiency of Your Current HVAC System?
Having an old, inefficient system can skyrocket your energy bills. The efficiency of the average central air conditioning system has been massively upgraded over recent years, so knowing your air conditioner’s current SEER level is crucial when deciding whether to repair or replace it in order to get better energy costs and save money.
- Current Unit Has a SEER Level of 13 or Over: REPAIR
- Current Unit Has a SEER Level or 12 or Under: REPLACE
How Many HVAC Repairs Have You Experienced over the Life of Your Unit?
As old systems age, breakdowns occur, and frequent repairs of air conditioners, heat pumps, or furnaces become necessary. Try to keep records of your cooling and heating system’s maintenance. Use them to help assess whether it makes sense for repair or HVAC replacement costs.
- Less than 2 Repairs over the Last 10 Years: REPAIR
- Over 3 Repairs on the Same HVAC Unit: REPLACE
What is the Size of your Current Air Conditioner?
It is very common for homes to have the wrong sized unit for various reasons. It is important to know what the correct sized AC Unit is for your home’s square footage. An undersized unit can be extremely under efficient while an oversized AC unit can often lead to poor humidity control and shorter lifespans.
- Correct Sized Air Conditioner: REPAIR
- Over or Under-Sized Air Conditioner: REPLACE
What is Your Current Credit Score?
Most HVAC companies offer various financing options for customers seeking to install a new unit or furnace. However, just like all financing, the better your credit history, the better your lending terms will be.
Schedule A Free Bid On New Equipment
If you are in the home improvement market looking for a new air conditioner, heat pump or heating equipment, we can give you a FREE consultation on how to maximize the life expectancy of your heating and AC system. Our HVAC professionals and air quality experts are ready to help tune up your system!
Call us Superior today or fill out the online form below.
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