When should you replace your air conditioner?

There comes a time when your air conditioner just doesn’t run the way it used to. There are many things to weigh up before you replace your old air conditioner with a new one, our air conditioning installation experts know what to assess to help decide whether you would benefit from an air conditioning replacement, or if a repair and service would be sufficient.

What to consider:

How old is your air conditioner? – Most air conditioning brands offer a 5 year manufacturing warranty, however a well maintained system can last for 10+ years.

What condition is your air conditioner in? – If the system has not been well maintained and serviced it could cost more to repair, especially if further repairs are likely to be needed. The cost of any repairs or maintenance to get a poorly functioning system back up to scratch can sometimes outweigh the cost of replacing the system with an entirely new model.

How much does it cost to run? New vs Old – It’s likely that a new air conditioner will be more efficient than an older model. The energy efficiency of air conditioners has risen by up to 30% in the last 10 years, while installation and unit costs have remained relatively consistent in this same period.

Does the system match your lifestyle? – Sometimes air conditioning needs change, perhaps the system in your home is too small for your family.

What is your budget? – Obviously, the size of your budget is often an overriding consideration as to whether you should replace your system or keep the current one. If the cost of a replacement is out of the question for your preferred system, it is better to continue using the air conditioner you have until you have the financial capacity to purchase a quality energy efficient model that will last and perform well.

Replacing can be beneficial if there is a significant fault with your existing unit. Often when it comes to the cost of replacement parts and installation can outweigh the cost of simply replacing the whole unit. On the other hand, servicing can be more efficient if your air conditioner has been well maintained after installation. A good quality air conditioner can last for many years and provide efficient heating and cooling with professional servicing on a regular basis.

If you have been consistent with your air conditioners’ servicing and maintenance, then your initial investment becomes a lot more affordable when you consider the cost over the number of years that it has been in operation.

Should you simply have your air conditioner serviced? Or should you replace it all together? These are questions that our air conditioner technicians are asked all the time.

If you’re feeling unsure if a service or replacement is the best way to go, contact us today and we can help you work out the best option for you.