When Is Replacing Your AC Better Than Repairing It?

As long as your air conditioner is still covered by its warranty, getting it repaired when it breaks down is a no-brainer. It’s when the warranty expires that you need to be concerned. Regular maintenance and care will help your air conditioner last for a while after the warranty gives out, but sooner or later you’re going to have to replace your system, and that may come after it has suffered a breakdown. There are a few general signs that replacement may be in order, as well as a convenient mathematical formula to help you make that determination. 

Age and Increasing Costs Play a Factor

The older your machine gets, the more likely it is to suffer breakdowns and the less efficient it will perform. That last part is very important when determining whether to repair or replace your system, because if it’s costing you an arm and a leg to operate every month, that in and of itself may be reason enough to put it out to pasture.

How Much Is It Costing You?

If your system suffers a breakdown, you need to decide whether or not it’s worth sinking more money into it, or if you need to just bite the bullet and get it repaired. The formula to determine that is actually fairly simple. Add up all of the repair costs you’ve incurred in the last six months (formal repairs, not just maintenance or tune-ups). Then multiply that by the number of years the air conditioner has been operation. If it amounts to more than $5,000, you’re probably spending too much on repairs and need to install a new system.

If you need to make a replacement call, now is the time, when spring is still here in Rocky River, OH. Contact the pros at Westland Heating & Air to get the job done the right way.