Repair Or Replace? How To Tell When It’s Time For A New AC Unit

Florida’s year-round warm temperatures mean your air conditioning system works around the clock to keep your family cool and comfortable. Unfortunately, even the most well-maintained systems will wear down with age and, eventually, need to be replaced. Wondering whether your air conditioning unit needs simple repairs or requires replacement? For over 15 years, LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating has provided professional HVAC services to homeowners and businesses throughout Gainesville, FL. Below, our trusted HVAC technicians share how to tell whether your air conditioning system requires repair or replacement!

When To Repair Your Air Conditioner

In many cases, a quick, easy tune-up performed by an experienced HVAC contractor is enough to get your air conditioning system working properly. As long as your system meets the following criteria, scheduling AC repair services with one of our skilled technicians is likely the smartest move.

Your HVAC Is Less Than 10 Years Old

Your system’s age is a significant factor in determining whether you need repairs or replacement. In Florida, the typical air conditioning system has a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years, provided it receives regular maintenance. Generally, if your unit is under 10 years old, it likely has plenty of good years left, and scheduling AC repairs is still the most cost-effective option.

Repairs Are Minor & Inexpensive

If your air conditioner’s issue is relatively simple and inexpensive to fix, such as a faulty capacitor or worn belt, repairing it is definitely the way to go. So, at what point does a repair become too expensive to justify? Well, there’s actually a fairly simple formula for determining if repairs are still the most cost-effective option. Simply multiply your AC unit’s age by the cost of repairs — if the total exceeds $5,000, installing a new air conditioner is probably the best choice.

The Warranty Is Still Active

Most HVAC system manufacturers offer warranties that last 5 to 10 years, significantly reducing the cost of parts and labor for air conditioning repairs. If your warranty is still active and covers the issues, it’s almost always worth having your system repaired rather than replaced. Also, if you do have a warranty, keep in mind that many manufacturers require annual professional tune-ups to maintain your warranty — so be sure to schedule planned maintenance visits with our Gainesville HVAC company!

Signs It’s Time To Replace Your AC Unit

There will come a point when replacing your air conditioning system with a newer, more efficient model becomes the better long-term investment. If your air conditioning system has been acting up and meets any of the following criteria, it’s time to call LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating for a replacement. We offer high-quality AC installation services throughout Alachua County!

Your HVAC Is Over 10 Years Old

As we mentioned earlier, the 10-year mark is often when an air conditioning system’s efficiency begins to decline, and repairs are no longer the most cost-effective option. If your AC unit is over a decade old, upgrading to a modern system is likely a better choice than paying for repairs. Not to mention, modern systems tend to be much more energy efficient, so upgrading can save you money on your utility bills and improve cooling efficiency.

Repair Costs Are Adding Up

If you’ve been experiencing repeated air conditioning problems and have already scheduled repair services a few times this year, it’s probably time to start considering upgrading. The costs of back-to-back repairs, even if they’re minor fixes, can add up quickly. Generally, if the cost of your repairs is approaching or exceeds half the price of a new unit, upgrading to a new unit would most likely be the wiser use of your money.

Your Unit Uses R-22 Refrigerant

R-22 refrigerant, also known as Freon, was once widely used in residential cooling systems but has since been phased out due to its damaging environmental effects. Because of this, R-22 is nearly impossible to find and expensive to source, so any older systems that still rely on this type of refrigerant should be replaced.

Your Energy Bills Keep Rising

A steady increase in your home’s energy costs, especially if you’ve been keeping up with regular maintenance visits, could be an indicator that your air conditioning system is losing efficiency. Our experienced AC technicians can determine if your rising utility costs are due to an inefficient air conditioner and help you choose a newer, more energy-efficient system for your home.

Call LIBERTYAIR For Professional AC Services!

The experienced technicians with our local HVAC company can help you decide whether repair or replacement is the right choice for you. Whether your current system needs repairs or it’s time to install a new one, LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating has got you covered!

Looking for an affordable way to upgrade your home cooling system? We offer financing options to make getting a new, energy-efficient air conditioning unit easier on your wallet. Contact us today to learn more!