When To Repair or Replace Your Air Condition System

It’s bound to happen sooner or later. You turn on the air conditioning system on the first hot day of summer, only to be greeted by a blast of warm air — or no air at all. Or maybe your air conditioning system breaks down in the middle of a heat wave, resulting in a stifling home that makes it impossible to sleep or experience any relief.

When these and similar situations occur, you’ll have to make a critical decision: whether to have your air conditioning system repaired or replaced. Here, we hope to provide a few helpful tips that can make your decision-making process a little easier — and possibly prevent you from making an expensive mistake.

When Does an Air Conditioning Repair Make Sense?

Your household budget will surely be a driving force behind your decision to repair or replace. When you consider that a brand-new air conditioning system is a large investment, many homeowners may not have the funds available to make such a substantial investment. And while even a minor A/C repair job for your home could cost a couple hundred dollars, it’s still a lot less money than a new system.

Also, if your air conditioning system is relatively new and the issue is minor in nature, repairing probably offers a more cost-effective alternative to a replacement — you can still hope that your system will have a long life span ahead. However, you’ll need to pay closer attention to routine A/C maintenance to prevent a reoccurrence of the problem.

When Should You Replace Your Air Conditioning System?

The age of your A/C system is a primary factor when considering a replacement. We are seeing most systems throughout Camp Hill, Harrisburg, and Mechanicsburg providing reliable service for approximately 10 to 14 years. After that point, you can expect the need for more frequent repairs — along with an increase in your repair and maintenance costs.

Air conditioning systems also become less efficient as they age. You will likely recoup your investment over time by replacing an aging system and saving money on your energy bills.

All a/c units manufactured after 2010 use R-410 refrigerant instead of R-22 due to environmental hazards. Why is this relevant? Because R-22 is no longer being produced, the cost is much higher. Thousands of systems in Central PA are still running on this refrigerant. So when a repair is necessary involving recharging a system that is 7 years old or older we are looking at a significantly higher investment to repair a system that has been phased out.

The actual cost of the repair work vs. the cost of a brand-new system is another vital consideration. Some types of major repairs such as replacing a faulty compressor or coil can cost almost as much as a new system. In these scenarios, it probably makes sense to replace your system. You’ll get the energy-efficient savings benefits provided by a state-of-the-art system and get additional years of service with a new warranty at little difference in your upfront expenditure.

What Common Problems Do Air Conditioners Have?

If you notice a problem and allow it to continue, your utility bills may be higher, and you risk needing to do more extensive repairs later. You might have to get your A/C system repaired if you notice any of these minor conditions:

• Dirty air filter: The air filter will need replacement if it appears dirty, or the cool air will flow more slowly.
• Water leak: This could be a clogged condensate drain or a frozen coil sometimes due to a lack of airflow or low on refrigerant.
• Frozen evaporator coil: If the coil freezes it could be from excess buildup, your A/C will work poorly, and the coil will need to be cleaned.
• Hot air blowing out: Could be numerous items including compressor failure.
• Malfunctioning thermostat: A thermostat can go blank if a condensate trap is clogged or a condensate pump is not operating.
• Malfunctioning fan: If the fan moves slowly or stops working, the wiring could be to blame.
• Foul smell: Could indicate a foreign material has gotten into the ductwork, an animal for instance. Mold growth can also make the A/C smell badly.
• Leaking duct: A hole in the ductwork can create issues with airflow and suck dust into the unit.
• Loud noises coming from A/C: The sound an A/C makes helps diagnose it.
• Damaged compressor: Dirty coils from rarely cleaning the unit and improper levels of refrigerant can lead to compressor problems.
• Tripping circuit breaker: Issues with many components of your unit can cause the circuit breaker to trip.

A Reputable A/C Contractor Can Help You Make an Informed Decision

When a repair or replacement might be your best option, a trained HVAC technician from a professional A/C contractor in Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg and the West Shore area can provide the reliable guidance you need.

With more than 37 years of residential HVAC system maintenance, repair and installation experience in the Harrisburg and West Shore areas, you can trust Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for expert guidance that will make your decision easier. Contact us for more information and a free home air conditioning estimate today.  Don’t forget to ask us about our duct cleaning services to keep your whole system running smoothly!