Air conditioning is a great investment for any home. If you’re looking to stay cool in summer and warm in winter, ducted reverse cycle air conditioning can keep you comfortable year-round! Just like the other appliances in your home, your air conditioning will need servicing and repairs from time to time. Regular maintenance can help you avoid unexpected problems or repair bills. But, sooner or later, you’ll face the question “Should you repair or replace your air conditioner?” We’re going to discuss some of the deciding factors to help figure out which option is right for you.
1. The Age of the Air Conditioner
The age of your air conditioning system is one of the biggest considerations. Most air conditioners last between 10 to 15 years. After that, they begin to break down more often, and their efficiency steadily decreases. On top of that, it can be difficult to find parts for older air conditioners, so your technician may not be able to repair the unit at all. If your air conditioner is more than a decade old and in need of repairs, talk to your technician about whether it’s more economical to replace the unit instead.
2. The General Condition of the Air Conditioner
Most air conditioners can last for a decade or more when they’re cared for properly. Eventually though, you can expect some parts to need repair or replacement. Pay attention to the general condition of your air conditioner to help figure out when to repair or replace the unit. Look out for things like:
- How often it needs repair or replacement parts
- How noisy the system is
- Ongoing operating costs (including energy consumption and repairs)
- Obvious signs of damage like corrosion or leaks
- Whether the air conditioner is serviced regularly
Repairing your air conditioning is usually far more affordable than replacing the system. Regular maintenance and occasional repairs should be able to take care of most issues. But, if you’re frequently repairing the system, or if it has become damaged and worn, a replacement unit may be more economical.
3. Energy Efficiency
Modern air conditioners are incredibly energy efficient. Older systems are less effective, and the efficiency of an air conditioner decreases with age. As parts wear out and components wear out, the air conditioner has to work harder to heat and cool your spaces. This consumes more power and can drive your energy bills up. Regular maintenance and cleaning is the best way around this problem. But, if your power bills are skyrocketing and regular maintenance isn’t helping, your system may need replacement parts and more serious repairs.
4. Manufacturer’s Warranties
Check your manufacturer’s warranty before you commit to replacing your air conditioner. Some major manufacturers offer 5 years of warranty against major failures or repairs. That means you may be able to have your air conditioner repaired under warranty!
Don’t forget that manufacturer’s warranties are usually only valid on air conditioners that have been properly maintained. You may need to show proof that your air conditioner has had its regular servicing carried out by a professional technician.
5. Your Needs
The final question to ask is whether your air conditioning still meets your needs. If the way you use your home has changed, or if you’re ready to upgrade to a more powerful system, it might be time to replace your system. Upgrading to a new air conditioner may be the best option if you need a more powerful system or want features like smartphone integration, individual room temperature control, sleep timers and energy saving inverters.
Do some research on the costs involved if you’re thinking about replacing your air conditioner. Don’t forget that you’ll need to budget for the cost of the air conditioner as well as the installation fee.
Protect Your Air Conditioning with Servicing from the Air Conditioning Doctor!
Should you repair or replace your air conditioner? The answer to that question comes down to your needs and the condition of your system. If you need air conditioner services Adelaide wide, talk to the Air Conditioning Doctor! The Air Conditioning Doctor team offers maintenance and repairs for air conditioning systems across Adelaide.
We’re highly experienced with all ducted reverse cycle and split system air conditioners, and our regular maintenance program can greatly extend the life of your system. Whether you’re looking for scheduled servicing or major repairs, we’re happy to help.
Contact us today to make a booking with our team!
Stephen Maitland is the Director of Air Conditioning Doctor and has over 20 years of experience in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. He founded the company in 2007 to be Adelaide’s leading air conditioning repair, replacement and installation specialist.
As a certified Refrigeration Mechanic with a full unrestricted ARC license, his technical knowledge and years of experience allow him to diagnose problems quickly and offer practical and efficient solutions for his customers.
Recent Comments