People often ask, “Should I repair my AC system, or is it better to replace it?”
My quick answer is, “Maybe.”
Before I can answer, more information is needed, as there are several factors to consider. They are as follows:
Age of the System/Cost of the Repair—Knowing how old the system is and how much the repair will cost are just the starting points. You also should consider how often the system has broken down, what those repairs were and how much they cost. Here’s the deal. As systems age, components within the system will wear out and they tend to break down more often. Over time, it just doesn’t make sense to keep repairing it.
Maintenance History—How well your system has been maintained over the years also will factor into the decision. A system that is maintained consistently, which means you have your system tuned-up twice a year, should give you 10 to 15 years (or more) of service with minimal breakdowns. However, if you never have the tune-ups done, you may only get six to eight years out of the system.
Performance/Efficiency—Next, consider how well your system has been meeting your comfort needs and how much it costs to run. Suffering from rooms too hot or too cold, or with wide swings in temperatures, is not the norm. Your system should be able to maintain a consistent temperature no matter what’s happening outside and be able to maintain it throughout your home.
Technology—Finally, it’s important to understand that the technology of systems has changed a lot over the last eight to 10 years. Systems today are built for higher efficiency to reduce energy use (and energy costs). Also, systems built before 2010 used R-22 coolant, which is now being phased out for a more environmentally friendly coolant. By 2020, it will be completely banned and will no longer be produced. Already, we have seen a sharp increase in the cost of R-22, and it will continue to rise and be harder to attain.
So, here’s my advice. When faced with a repair bill, and it’s not the first one, or your system is over seven years old, you need to get more information. We offer no cost, no obligation quotes, which will provide you the information you need, so you can make an informed decision. Just call John’s Refrigeration at (480) 648-2505.