May 28, 2013
As summer starts and the temperatures continue to rise, Lawton area residents who have an air conditioner that no longer runs correctly are left with this age-old question:
“Should I pay for more repairs or just buy a new one?”
The answer (as with most complicated questions) is: it depends.
But we’re not going to leave you hanging there. If you have a broken AC and are trying to decide whether you should repair or replace it, here are the three biggest areas to consider.
Frequency of Repairs
If the air conditioning company knows your name and address by heart because of how frequently they are repairing your cooling system, it could be a sign you’re better off getting a new air conditioner. Otherwise, you could just continue to pay for costly repairs.
On the other hand, if this is the first repair your air conditioner has had, you’re probably safe repairing it.
Age of Your Air Conditioner
On average, air conditioners last about 15 years, when properly maintained.
But in the last few years of an air conditioner’s life, its parts begin to wear down (causing frequent repairs) and it becomes less energy efficient. So if you are past the 10-year mark and are beginning to experience problems, you may want to at least consider a new air conditioner.
Of course, if you have a new air conditioner that’s still under warranty, the most cost-effective solution is usually to repair it.
Long-term vs. Short-term Benefits
Before deciding to replace your air conditioner or get a new one, you should consider a few questions.
- How long do you intend on being in your home? If you don’t see yourself moving soon, you’ll get the most out of a new air conditioner.
- How energy efficient is your current air conditioner? The less efficient your air conditioner, the more a new one will cut your utility costs.
- How much will it cost you? You must weigh the cost of the possibility of continued repairs against the cost of a new air conditioner.
Get Professional Help
The decision to repair or replace your broken air conditioner can be a difficult one. If you’d like some help, you can schedule a free, no-obligation estimate with Pippin Brothers. We’ll help you get a better idea of the costs involved in replacing your air conditioner.
