Beating the summer heat in Longview TX means depending heavily on your air conditioning, and air conditioners that are used extensively suffer from plenty of wear and tear. Although good maintenance can help air conditioners last as long as possible, sooner or later you will have to decide whether to repair your existing unit or replace it with a new model. When the time comes to make that choice, be sure to consider both the short-term and long-term implications of each option.

The Immediate Cost

Choosing whether to repair or replace your air conditioner starts with a look at the up-front cost of each option. Of course, if the repairs cost more than a new unit, replacement is always in order. Most of the time, replacing your air conditioner will cost more than fixing it, but this cost difference has to be weighed against the age of your existing unit and its probable remaining lifespan.

Most air conditioners are designed to last about 10 years, give or take a few. If you have a unit that is nearing replacement age anyway, choosing whether to repair or replace your air conditioner is easy: Unless the repair is very minor, replacement is in order. Conversely, air conditioners that are less than two years old should almost always be replaced unless the repair is very expensive. The middle of the age range makes for the toughest decisions. As a rule, you should fix your air conditioner if the cost of repairs is less than half the cost of a new unit. Have it replaced otherwise.

In addition to its age, consider the repair history of your unit when deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioner. If the machine has never needed repairs before, odds are good that it will continue to run issue-free for a while longer. On the other hand, an appliance that has had to be fixed multiple times already is more likely to require even more extensive repairs in the future. Replacement may be the better option.

The Long-Term Cost

Perhaps the greatest advantage of replacing your air conditioner is the improved energy efficiency of a new system. Over time, the energy savings from a more efficient air conditioner can do plenty to defray or even offset the cost difference between repairing your existing system and upgrading. For instance, if a new system that projects to save you an average of $40 per month will cost $400 more than just repairing your existing unit, it will pay for itself in just 10 months.

Because we understand how difficult the choice to repair or replace your air conditioner can be, we at JD’s A/C strive to provide you will all the information you need to make a great decision. If your air conditioner needs to be fixed or replace, give us a call to speak with one of our A/C experts today.