Your AC unit is vital to the comfort of your home. Without it, how would you stay cool in summer and warm and cozy in the winter? However, like any other part of your home, your HVAC unit may break down and create a dilemma for you. You may have to decide whether it's time to do AC repairs or replace it. According to the Office of Efficiency and Renewable Energy, as many as three million HVAC systems are replaced each year in the United States. Use this guide to see if you'll add to those three million replacements or can do a simple repair for your unit.

Age

Do you remember how old your AC unit is? If so, it can play a major factor in whether to simply replace it or get AC repairs. A properly maintained AC unit can last a long time, but eventually, the benefits of replacement outweigh the perks of repair. A quick way to determine the age of your unit is by looking at the serial number on the data plate. Manufacturers have their unique way of encoding the date within the serial number.

If you have a newer unit, it makes sense to start with a repair unless it completely breaks down and doesn't work at all anymore. However, if your unit is gearing close to the edge of its lifespan and is in constant repair, it's telling you it's time to look into a replacement unit.

Cost

Whether you're repairing or replacing your unit, you can expect to spend a good amount of money. If you've had several repairs to your unit in recent years, compare the total cost of repairs to the cost of a new one. According to Trane, if you have to spend over $5,000 for HVAC repairs, it's best to buy a new one.

Efficiency

Are you committed to living a green lifestyle? If so, what better way than to start by making sure you have eco-friendly appliances? When you install appliances that are energy efficient, you can have peace that you're not only reducing your carbon footprint but are also saving money. If your existing AC is an older unit, the only way to have an energy-efficient home is by buying a brand-new one.

Resale Value

Have you decided to sell your home? If so, it may be best to go ahead and replace your HVAC system with a new one. Put yourself in the shoes of the buyer. If they walk into a beautiful home that feels comfortable regardless of the season and learn you've recently replaced the unit, they'll have one less thing to replace upon moving in. Any updates you can make that can increase your home value or encourage a buyer to sign the deal can help you sell your home faster and at a better price. As a result, whatever money you would spend on a replacement, you may get back in resale value.

Performance

Does your once-powerful AC now only give off a trickle of hot air in winter? Does it only cool you off if you're directly standing in front of it in summer? If so, it sounds like you have a poor airflow issue, which can be fixed pretty quickly by a professional. Other fixable issues include clogged condensate drain lines, power issues, faulty thermostats, and clogged filters that cause nasty odors. These are minor problems that local AC repairs can solve.

Major problems include refrigerant leaks and failure of the compressor. According to the Department of Energy, you may quickly wear out your fan controls if you're constantly turning your unit on and off. These are the types of problems that can lead to replacement sooner than later.

The last thing you need is for your AC unit to die at the wrong time. You don't want to put yourself or anyone else in your family in a position to feel uncomfortable because you chose repair instead of a necessary replacement. On the other hand, you don't want to break the bank by replacing your AC when you could have paid for a repair. Unsure about whether to repair or replace your AC unit? The best thing to do is call a local professional such as someone on our team. Give Rutty & Morris Air Conditioning a call today.