Typically, if your car’s dashboard lights up, you research how much the part costs to fix or replace. But have you ever had a mechanic tell you that it’s best to invest in a new car entirely? Though recommendations to replace cars aren’t as common as receiving instructions on what’s needed to repair them, it is still possible to hear that diagnosis. And the same possibilities exist with AC units every day. In deciding whether to purchase a brand-new system or repair your current one, it is strongly recommended by HVAC professionals to get a full-service checkup before making an ultimate decision.
First, a key factor that a professional will look at is the age of your AC unit. A unit’s Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), which is the performance of the unit, degrades yearly with a life expectancy of 15-20 years. If your system happens to be within that life range, it is expected to have more issues as opposed to a system that was installed three or four years ago. While systems that are regularly serviced can add many years to their life span, their age will remain a key factor technicians use in deciding that it would cost you less to buy a completely new one than it will to continue repairing your current unit.
But we must also note that certain AC units have a higher life span than others, hence why technicians will also observe the brand of your system. Backtracking to our car scenario, brands like Honda, Subaru, and Toyota are car brands that are arguably more durable, efficient, and reliable than others. This same principle is applied to HVAC systems; brands such as American Standard, Mitsubishi, and Trane, are expected to run more efficiently and have longer durability in comparison to brands like EVCON and Mirage. So along with technicians discovering the unit’s age they may also consider the brand when giving a professional opinion about repairing your system or replacing it.
There are many details a service professional will look for in determining which option is better. And there are factors you can consider as well. One thing you should remember is the cost of the new system. After the diagnosis from the technician is complete, they can provide you with a quote of how much an installation would cost. If the estimate is not practical for you at that moment, we also encourage you to recall if your current system has a warranty; some manufacturers provide this coverage for five to 10 years on the parts. This is a great idea if your unit model is newer.
As a customer, you also want to consider who you are hiring for the installation, as this protects the quality of the work done. Make sure your HVAC contractor is licensed reputable company such as Air Integrity HVAC to ensure satisfactory results! Who your HVAC service provider is affects the overall performance of a brand-new system.
~Nevaonna Alfred