When to repair & when to replace air conditioners
If your air conditioner isn't working or is no longer running efficiently, it can be a difficult decision to know whether to repair or replace it. Often, a simple repair will get your old AC up and running again - but at some point, it won't be worth the money to keep pouring into repairs. That's where 1st Call Electrical comes in - as local air conditioning experts, we won't try to sell you a replacement AC if a repair is all that's needed. We'll help you make the best decision for your home and your wallet!
When to go for aircon repairs?
Your unit is less than 10 years old
Air conditioners can last for 10-15 years easily. If the unit is less than 10 years old, repairs can be a better option. Air conditioners generally come with a 5-year warranty, if your product is covered by a warranty, going for a repair is a no-brainer.
Extent of repairs
The damage is not extensive and only requires a part or two to be replaced - Replacing a single part is always going to be cheaper than buying an entirely new unit. Doing a repair will not put your air conditioner’s life expectancy at risk - If the fix is something simple like re-gassing, then there is no harm in getting it repaired as it will not reduce the lifespan of your air conditioner.
Repair costs
The repair costs are less than 25% of the cost of the new unit.
Another way to calculate this is by multiplying the cost of repair by the age of the aircon. If the result is less than $5000, repairing the unit would be financially beneficial.
Performance
The unit is performing well, it keeps your home cool and the power bills are standard and you have seen no major surge in the bills
When to replace your air conditioner?
Your aircon unit is older than 10 years
Air conditioners tend to last for about 10-15 years. Once it hits this age, you might want to start thinking about replacing rather than repairing it.
Extent of repairs
The repair will be extensive and require multiple parts to be replaced - If several parts need to be replaced, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit.
Repair costs
The repair costs are more than 25% of the cost of the new unit.
Alternatively, multiply the cost of repairs by the age of the unit. If the result is more than $5000, replace the unit with a new model.
Aircon Performance
The unit doesn’t keep your home cool. Your power bills have shot up significantly
Replacing your air conditioner will increase its efficiency - New models of air conditioners are always more energy-efficient than older models. Replacing your old AC unit can help you save money on your energy bills in the long run.
If you're unsure whether to repair or replace your air conditioner, contact the experts at First Call Electrical. We'll help you make the best decision for your home and budget! Give us a call on 1300 016 671 or complete our online enquiry form and we will be happy to assist.