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Do You Need to Repair or Replace Your AC?

If your air conditioner is having problems, you may be weighing your options between repair and replacement. There are some instances where you can repair your air conditioner and still get a lot of life out of it. But other times, it makes more sense to replace your AC with a brand-new unit.

The question we get from many homeowners is, how do you know which choice to make and when to make it? Each situation is unique, but if you need air conditioning service in Hickory, our team is here to help. Before giving us a call, you can keep reading to learn more about when to repair and when to replace your air conditioner. 

The 50% Rule

The general rule that experts recommend you follow is to consider the cost of completely replacing your air conditioner. Whatever that cost is, don’t spend more than 50% on any AC repair. If you have an air conditioning repair that costs thousands of dollars, you may also want to get a quote for a complete air conditioner replacement. Compare the two and determine which one is right for you.

The problem with investing in a very expensive repair is that the rest of your air conditioner will continue aging at a faster rate. You may not actually get to enjoy the complete value of the expensive repair since the rest of your air conditioner is older. In fact, older components can actually age your brand-new component more since the rest of your air conditioner may not be operating at optimal efficiency.

Consider AC Age

Before making a decision, consider how old your air conditioner is. If it is older than 10 years, investing in a completely new system is probably the best idea. If your air conditioner is younger, making an expensive repair may make more sense because you still have years left in your air conditioner’s expected lifespan which is usually 10-15 years. However, ACs really decline in the last 2-3 years of their lifespans. 

Other Recent Repairs

When you add up that 50% cost estimate, it doesn’t have to come from a single repair. If you’ve been making frequent repairs to your air conditioner, you can add those to reach 50%. Making frequent repairs in and of itself is a red flag, no matter how expensive the repairs are or aren’t. 

Manufacturer’s Warranty

If your air conditioner is less than 10 years old, be sure you refer to the manufacturer’s warranty before making any investment. There is a good possibility that your manufacturer’s warranty will cover your repair needs as long as they fall within the scope of the coverage.

Keep in mind that regular homeowner maintenance is often a requirement for maintaining your manufacturer’s warranty. If you are reading this and have a younger AC, be sure to invest in annual AC maintenance so that if something does go wrong, your warranty is active instead of being voided. 

Thank you for choosing Ace Hardware Home Services. Call us today to schedule an appointment for air conditioning service.

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