When your air conditioner starts acting up, you may find yourself wondering how much longer your cool air is going to last before you need to replace it.
If you are in the midst of determining the best course of action when it comes to air conditioner repair or replacement, Calfo is here to help with a few things to consider.
When Air Conditioner Repair Will Suffice
Of course a shiny new air conditioner from Calfo will keep your home comfortable for less money each month — but just like when you take your car to the mechanic, if you can avoid the hassle and financial burden of installing a new air conditioning unit, why not save the dough?
Here are the few scenarios when a simple air conditioning repair service will get the job done:
You are noticing poor airflow from your AC vents
Poor airflow can be caused by a few small AC issues, like a clogged air filter or poorly designed and installed ductwork. Through some troubleshooting and diagnosing, Calfo can help you resolve your poor airflow issue and get your home cool again.
Your indoor humidity is especially high
Your air conditioner doesn’t just make your home cooler, it should make it drier as well. If your air conditioner is failing to keep your air dry and your indoor humidity at safe and comfortable levels, your AC refrigerant may need recharging, your ducts and vents may need balancing, or perhaps a combination of both. Whatever the case, Calfo can tell you what it will take to get your home cool and comfortable again.
Loud noises or strange odors coming from your vents
Don’t you wish your cooling equipment would just tell you when something is wrong? If you are hearing strange noises coming from your AC vents or the area around where your AC is installed, or you are smelling something strange after you turn your AC on, you are getting your wish. These symptoms are your AC telling you it’s time to call in the pros for AC repair.
Your AC is leaking fluid
Not all AC leaks should cause alarm — some leaks are simply water dripping from your evaporator coils. This is usually caused by an issue with the condensate drain pan, which is supposed to collect all of that moisture and properly drain it.
If your AC is leaking, give Calfo a call and we can diagnose and resolve the issue!
When it’s Time for Air Conditioner Replacement
There are still times when the cost of upgrading your AC unit will save you money, even if the repair and replacement costs are similar. Oftentimes, the increased efficiency of a new AC unit or a versatile heat pump can quickly overcome the upfront costs of installation/replacement, and will reliably keep your home comfortable moving forward.
Here are the situations where it might be best to replace your AC:
Your unit is 10+ years old
Although it would be nice if it was — your air conditioner was not built to last forever. If your air conditioner is over ten years old, upgrading to a newer AC will save you in future repair costs, monthly cooling costs, and mid-summer AC breakdown frustrations.
Unit has not been maintained in years
Homeowners often won’t think about their heating and cooling equipment until something goes wrong, and if your AC falls into the camp of “poorly maintained,” there may be more than one thing wrong with it. The more that needs fixing, the more it will cost you, meaning replacing your AC unit could be a better financial decision.
Cost to repair is more than 50% of a new AC
Similar to how you might assess a totaled car, if the cost to repair your AC is more than half of what a new AC would cost, you should be considering an upgrade. This can be especially helpful for those that are looking to sell their homes in the next few years!
Your cooling bills keep rising
Have you been trying to reduce your cooling costs, only to see your summer bills continue to rise? For some AC issues, the problem can get compoundingly worse the longer you leave it unresolved. If your bills keep rising, it is time to do something drastic with your cooling equipment (and perhaps how efficient your home is, too).
