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How to Decide Between HVAC Repair vs. Replace
Nothing puts a damper on your day than coming home and finding warm air coming out of your vents on a hot summer day. Of course, you immediately start running the costs in your head and wonder if this is a repair job or if you need a new HVAC unit. While you can’t know for sure until a professional AC technician examines your unit, some signs point to repair vs. replacement for an AC unit. If you’re trying to decide between HVAC repair vs. replace, keep reading for valuable tips!
Signs You Need AC Repair
Sometimes the problem is clear with your AC unit, and a repair makes sense. Below are some reasons to contact a residential AC professional to inspect and service your unit. These issues could be good contenders for repairing instead of replacing your AC unit.
AC unit leak
If you find a leak in your AC unit, it’s cause for contacting an HVAC technician as soon as possible. A small leak can easily become a major problem, so it’s wise to look into it immediately.
The thermostat doesn’t work
A malfunctioning thermostat prevents you from properly cooling your home. If you suspect your thermostat isn’t communicating properly with your AC unit, it’s time to get a professional to check it out.
AC unit is constantly running
If your AC unit is constantly running, it’s a sign that it can’t keep up with cooling your home. This can wear down your AC unit tremendously, so bring in an AC company to look into why it’s running all the time and make any necessary repairs.
AC unit produces warm air
Back to our first example, warm air is not supposed to come out of your AC unit! In Southwest Florida, that is especially true! Hot air from an HVAC unit is definitely a reason to have your AC unit repaired as soon as possible.
Increased humidity in your home
In Southwest Florida, we experience high humidity, but that shouldn’t happen in your home. An efficient AC unit will manage the humidity in your home, so if you find your home very humid inside, it’s time to repair your AC unit.
Signs You Need AC Replacement
While some AC unit problems have quick fixes, others require a new HVAC unit. However, replacing your AC unit shouldn’t be scary because there are many benefits to a new unit rather than frequent repairs. We should note, too, that sometimes you have an HVAC unit issue from the list above that might seem repairable, but one of the signs below is also true, making a replacement a better option in the long run.
AC Unit is Over 10 Years Old
A significant reason for AC replacement is the age of the unit. Many HVAC units state they last for 15-20 years, but if it’s over 10 years old and causing issues, it’s probably time to consider a replacement.
You’re constantly repairing the AC unit
Despite the age of your unit, if you find yourself repeatedly calling an HVAC technician out to repair it, you’re usually better off replacing the unit. Multiple repairs add up in cost, so there’s no need to throw money away at repairs if new problems keep arising.
AC unit requires R22 Freon
You’re probably familiar with freon in AC Units since older units use this as a refrigerant. However, R22 freon is now banned in the United States. So, if your unit requires freon to operate, a repair isn’t possible anymore. The best solution is to replace your unit when issues show up.
High monthly electricity bill
If you notice your monthly electric bill consistently rises and your AC unit runs frequently, it’s a sign that your HVAC unit isn’t efficient anymore. A professional AC technician can help you decide if an HVAC replacement will be more efficient than your current unit.
Benefits of Replacing Your HVAC Unit
If you get sticker shock when looking at a new AC unit, we get it. But, while the upfront cost is higher than repair costs, the long-term savings are worth it. Here are some other benefits to replacing your current system with a higher quality and more efficient AC unit.
- More comfortable home
- Quieter system
- Higher efficiency
- Warranty
Chill Squad – Southwest Florida’s AC Company
Whether you need a quick AC system repair or a complete HVAC replacement, the certified experts at Chill Squad are here to help. We offer timely repair and the best customer service so you can make the absolute best decision for your home. If AC replacement is the best option, we install top-of-the-line units with the highest quality parts so you can rest assured your unit will effectively cool your house for many years. Contact Chill Squad today for more information on our AC repair and AC replacement services!