Knowing when it is time to get a new air conditioner unit can be difficult. Even an AC unit that has broken down a few times before may not be worth getting rid of and replacing. On the other hand, an AC unit that seems to be running fine may have problems that would be better solved by just getting a new air conditioner unit.
It is important to think through your options carefully and ask your heating & air conditioning team at Galmiche & Sons for advice on purchasing a new air conditioner unit. Call us at (314) 993-1110 if you think it might be time for an HVAC replacement, and we will come take a look at your current unit right away.
When to Consider Getting a New Air Conditioner Unit
One thing to consider before you buy a new air conditioner unit is the relative cost of repair and other air conditioning costs versus replacement. As a basic rule of thumb, any repair costing more than $5,000 should make you consider just getting a new air conditioner unit. In other situations, consider the following factors when deciding on whether to repair or replace:
- Age of Your Air Conditioner – Any air conditioner over 15 years old is going to be very difficult to keep in good working condition. At this age, not only has your air conditioner likely worn out considerably, but replacing parts can be difficult. In general, the older your AC unit, the more you should consider a new air conditioner unit rather than repairing the old one.
- Energy Efficiency – Energy efficiency is another very important consideration. While a new air conditioner unit can be expensive, sometimes the one-time cost is less than the increased AC bills over the years. Energy efficiency can really make an impact on energy bills and modern AC units are much more efficient than even five and ten-year-old models.
- R-22 Refrigerant – If you have an AC unit that uses R-22 refrigerant (rather than R-410A, the more environmentally friendly modern replacement), you should get a new air conditioner unit if it breaks down or begins to leak. Refilling an AC unit that takes R-22 is getting more and more difficult, and in some places is now impossible. If your R-22 AC unit breaks down, it is time for a replacement.
Finding Your New Air Conditioner
So, with these tips in mind, you should be equipped to figure out if you need a new air conditioner unit or not. If you do find you need to replace your AC, think about what you want from your new system, how much you want to spend, and the potential long-term costs of buying a new AC unit. These things can help you get the most for your investment in a new HVAC system.
Let Us Help You with a New Air Conditioning Unit Today
If you decide it is time for AC replacement, your HVAC service team can help! Navigating the process of buying a new AC unit can be tricky, but professionals can help you find the features you need, make sure the unit is sized correctly, and consider potential obstacles to installation and use. To learn more and pick out your next AC unit, get in touch with your heating & air conditioning team at Galmiche & Sons today, by calling us at (314) 993-1110.
