When summer arrives, everyone gets excited about the warm weather and the chances for outdoor fun. But people still want to be able to come inside and cool down – which is why having air conditioning that works well, and works efficiently, is so important. If your AC system hasn’t been keeping you and your family as comfortable as you’d like, you might be trying to decide if it’s time to replace your current system. Most people need some help deciding if a few simple repairs will do the trick, or whether a new installation is in order. Here are a few ways that can help you choose the best course of action.
How old is your system?
Air conditioning systems typically last between 10 and 15 years, with proper maintenance. If your system isn’t functioning as well as it should and it’s either at or over a decade old, it might be time to consider a new installation. You need to look at the age of the system in relation to the cost of repairs. Generally speaking, if the cost of repairs is approaching 50 percent of the value of your system, a replacement is probably in order.
How efficient is your system?
There’s no way around it – the older your air conditioning system is, the less efficient it becomes. And that means your utility bills will likely be on the rise. While replacing your system might seem like a more costly venture up front, today’s high-efficiency systems can offer you comfort at 20 to 40 percent better efficiency. That means your energy bills will decrease significantly, and that will save you money in the long run.
Do you have a refrigerant leak?
Refrigerant leaks might seem like an easy fix, but they can be the precursor to a whole host of problems. Most older systems use R-22, or Freon, which is a refrigerant that has been phased out in favor of the more environmentally friendly R-410A. As a result, Freon has become very expensive, so refilling a system that uses this kind of refrigerant can be very costly. Leaking refrigerant can be an indicator that the compressor soon will give out, too – and that can be a $2000 expense to the consumer.
If any of these are concerning you about your air conditioning system, you’re probably trying to decide between repair and replacement. At T.F. O’Brien, we can help you. We will thoroughly inspect your current system to see if a repair will cost-effectively do the trick. If not, we’ll talk to you about why and we’ll help you choose the best replacement system for your home, lifestyle and budget. Simply call us at 516.488.1800, and we’ll be happy to help you decide whether repair or replacement is right for your home.