Spring might be slow to warm up in Minnesota, and there might be some snowy setbacks, but we’re really getting there, folks. And with springtime comes the task of getting ready for summer. Is your air conditioner ready for another season of keeping you and your home comfortable and cool? Or do you have some doubts? This is the perfect time to consider whether you should have a problematic air conditioner repaired, or whether it’s time for a new one.
Consider the Age of Your AC Unit
The first big factor, when you’re wondering whether an air conditioner has much more life in it, is how long it’s been running. It’s quite reasonable to expect a ten-year-old air conditioner to still be functioning. As it approaches fifteen, it’s less and less likely to get through a summer without major failures.
Maintenance Matters
Have you been getting professional maintenance done on your air conditioner every year? If so, the life expectancy we mentioned should be accurate. If not, your AC unit has been accumulating a lot more wear and tear. The dust and grime, lack of lubrication, and tiny issues going uncorrected will add up, resulting in an air conditioner that might only work well for five or seven years. Don’t neglect your HVAC service in Grand Rapids, MN!
Risk of Refrigerant Leaks
In 2010, the refrigerant known as R22 stopped being used in newly-manufactured air conditioners. At this point, it’s not even produced at all. Older refrigerators are at higher risk of their coils deteriorating to the point where they start to leak refrigerant. The coils can be patched, and the refrigerant can be refilled. But if your air conditioner contains R22, that won’t be possible. Any leak will mean that replacement is necessary.
Frequency of Repairs
Toward the end of an air conditioner’s life, repair needs will become more frequent. In fact, most of the repairs that an air conditioner will ever need will occur during the last few years of its life. And remember, even if these repairs are not costly individually, they do add up. Multiple repairs per year in recent years is a sign that you’ll only have more and more repairs to look forward to.
Cost of Repairs
This might be the nail in the coffin for your air conditioner. One very costly repair just might not be worth it, depending on the age of the unit. There’s a handy trick that can help to determine whether investing in a repair is a better choice than replacement. Multiply the cost of the repair by the age of the air conditioner. Is the result under $5000? Then repair is a reasonable decision. Over $5000? Time to replace your air conditioner. It’s not worth pouring that much money into, because it just won’t last long enough for you to recoup the cost of that repair.
Whether you need help deciding what to do, or you’ve made the choice and want to schedule repairs or learn about your replacement options, we’d love to hear from you!
Reach out to Mesaba Heating & Air Conditioning today. Service to you is success to us!