Air Conditioning

The high cost of an AC replacement means that many homeowners try to put off replacing their AC equipment for as long as possible to save money. Waiting too long to replace your AC can end up costing you more in the long run due to issues like poor efficiency and increased repair needs. If your AC breaks down, these concerns may be why you’re thinking carefully about whether to schedule a replacement or have repairs performed.

The Age of Your System

When trying to decide whether it’s worth paying to have your AC repaired, the first thing to consider is how old your system is. Also, think about how much longer it’s likely to continue working after being fixed. In Georgia, most AC systems last approximately 10 to 15 years due to how hot and humid the summers typically are. It’s sometimes possible to get 15 to 20 years of life out of an AC system, but you’ll usually start seeing a noticeable drop in both efficiency and performance the older the system gets. Aging AC systems are also far more likely to suddenly fail. It doesn’t make much sense to repair an AC that’s 10 or more years old unless it only needs a very minor, inexpensive repair.

The Cost of Repairs

When your AC develops problems, you’ll need to schedule a professional inspection to determine what’s going on. We will provide you with a quote for how much it will cost to repair the system. Once you know the estimated repair cost, it will become easier to decide whether you should go ahead with the repair. Most HVAC professionals recommend considering the repair cost multiplied by the age of the system. If it equals $5,000 or more, replacing the system is the more cost-effective way to go.

Timing Repair Frequency

Another thing to consider is the number of issues your AC system has had in recent years that require it to be repaired. It’s not uncommon for an AC system to occasionally develop problems, but most systems won’t need to be repaired more than once every few years if they’re properly maintained. If you find that you’re needing to have your system repaired every year or multiple times in the same year, it’s time to consider installing a replacement. There’s no point in paying for a repair if there’s a high chance that the system is just going to break down again soon.

Warranty Coverage Considerations

Most AC manufacturers provide either a 5-year or 10-year limited parts warranty on their equipment. This ensures that the system is covered in case it has any defective components. If whatever repair your AC needs is covered under the warranty, it’s usually worth paying the labor costs to replace the defective component. However, this isn’t always the case, especially if the system has a failed compressor. You’ll usually have to spend over $1,000 on labor costs to swap out a compressor. If the system isn’t that old, it’s probably worth paying this cost. However, you should be aware that compressor issues often cause other problems, and the system could still end up failing within a few years even with a new compressor.

One other thing to note about AC warranty coverage is that some manufacturers allow you to put the normal cost of whatever replacement part the system needs toward the cost of a new system from the same manufacturer. This might only save you a few hundred dollars, but it could save you more if the system needs something major, like a new compressor.

The manufacturer of your equipment can deny your claim and say that the issue arose due to neglect or improper maintenance. This is why it’s important to schedule a maintenance and tune-up service each year. Retain documentation that proves these appointments took place in case the manufacturer requests it.

Energy Efficiency and Cooling Costs

The hot, humid Georgia climate results in many homeowners having to pay high costs to run their air conditioning system. This is why you should consider how energy efficient your AC system is and how much you could save by upgrading to a new system instead of repairing your current system.

There should be a label or tag on your current unit that lists its SEER rating. This rating tells you how efficient it is. Many older AC systems are only 13 SEER, and some homes have much older systems that aren’t any higher than 10 SEER. Any new system in Georgia is required to be at least 15 SEER. Replacing a 13 SEER system with a new 15 SEER system will usually save you at least $100 a year, if not more. If you have an outdated 10 SEER system, you’re looking at saving at least a few hundred dollars per year. If you opt for a more efficient system with a higher SEER rating, you could cut your air conditioning costs at least in half.

You can find helpful tools and calculators online that allow you to estimate annual cooling costs and potential savings based on the SEER rating of your existing system and the SEER rating of a new system. This can also be a useful tool when trying to decide between repair and replacement. Basically, if your estimated savings over the next few years are anywhere close to or higher than what it will cost to repair your AC, investing in a replacement system is a smart choice.

Signs It’s Time for an AC System Upgrade

Even if your AC system doesn’t currently need any repairs, there are many situations when upgrading to a new system is still a worthwhile investment. One is if your AC struggles to keep up on hot, humid days, resulting in your house frequently being too hot. This will often happen if your system is too small for your house, which is a fairly common problem. Many people try to save money by installing a smaller system. It can also happen just because the system is outdated and can no longer cool effectively.

Another time you should consider an upgrade is if your system uses R-22 refrigerant. These systems have been illegal to install since 2010, and R-22 itself has been illegal to produce or import since 2020. This has led to a major decrease in the supply of available refrigerants. The price of these products has increased substantially. That means it’s now going to be extremely expensive if you need to have a system that uses R-22 refrigerant recharged with more product.

Kennon Heating, Air & Plumbing is a full-service HVAC contractor that’s dedicated to providing reliable, effective cooling and heating solutions. We serve customers in Cumming, GA and throughout North Georgia and the Atlanta Metro area. We have what it takes to handle your year-round comfort needs, such as routine maintenance and repairs. We install equipment from trusted brands like Trane, Rheem, and Lennox, and our technicians can work on all other brands as well. To get help repairing your AC or upgrading to a new system, contact Kennon Heating, Air & Plumbing in Cumming today.

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