When deciding whether you should repair or replace your current air conditioner, there are a number of things to consider. From the level of performance you are experiencing to the age of the unit, the answer can be hard to find if you are not a qualified technician.

At Gibson Heating and Cooling we have been helping Kentucky homeowners answer the questions of “should I repair or replace my air conditioner” for the last 40 years.

Signs Your AC System has Problems

The first step of determining if you are going to simply repair your current ac unit or replace it entirely is identifying the problems that it is having. While the response you should have to the following common problems

• Excessive Noises: While some noises are to be expected, especially during shut off and turn on, hearing those noises at a high level or consistently could be signs of a major problem.
• Leaks: Lekas in your air conditioner can be a serious issue. Refrigerant or water leaks are almost always a sign that something is wrong with your unit. If you notice a leak coming from your air conditioner, get in contact with a HVAC professional as soon as possible.
• Rise in Bills: If you are noticing spikes or uncommon trends in your cooling bill, then your system may not be working properly. Any number of problems could cause an issue within your machine that causes it to not work at an optimal level. When your AC isn’t working properly, your comfort and pockets struggle.
• Uncommon Odors: When you have a distinguishable smell coming from your air conditioner, it is almost never a good sign. It could be a burning smell or a general mildew smell, either are enough cause to justify a call to your local HVAC expert.

Things to Consider when Repairing or Replacing your AC Unit

Your home is one of the most important things you have, it is a gathering place for loved ones and you should always be content with how you feel in it. Which is why having an air conditioner that works optimally, all year long is so important.

However, a new unit can end up being a huge financial investment. When you contact a professional to come out and service your machine they will be able to tell you if your machine can be fixed with a repair or not. 

Here are some of the factors that will be taken into consideration when making the call on whether to repair or replace your air conditioner.

Energy Bill

The price you are paying for your air conditioner to work is one of the most important things to consider. If your home has an older model ac unit, even if it does not need fixed you may still be getting less proficiency and cost savings then a newer machine. If your ac unit is working as it should and you are still not happy with your energy bill, a replacement to a newer machine could be the best choice.

Age of Unit

An air conditioner lifespan is typically 10-15 years, but not all ac units are created equal. Just because your AC unit is old and experiencing problems does not mean it has to be replaced. 

Things like, how often was it maintained, the brand it is and who installed it all come into play. However, if you are experiencing major problems in a unit that is more than 10 years old, a replacement is a good option. If it is under 10 years old, a repair may be better suited. An experienced HVAC technician will be able to assess the unit and give you an accurate answer.

Are you Moving?

If you plan on moving out of your current home soon, it may not be worth the financial investment to replace the air conditioner entirely. If you can get by with your current system and a few repairs, it could be a better decision when it comes to cost.

Why Work with Gibson Heating and Cooling

If you are currently making decisions about the future of your home’s HVAC system, let us help. WIth years of experience and a team of dedicated professionals, we are ready and eager to help find you solutions to your problems.

If you are ready to upgrade, repair or replace your air conditioner, or aren’t sure what to do, contact us today for help!