If you live in a region that experiences high heat during part of the year, you know firsthand just how important it is to have a reliable, well-maintained AC unit. But how can you tell if you need to get your unit repaired or replaced? Sometimes all your machine needs is some TLC, and other times, it’s just better to get a new unit altogether. McGee Refrigeration gets a lot of questions on this topic, so we’ve come up with some guidelines to help you decide. As always, we’re here to answer any questions you have about AC repair in Visalia, CA, so don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Weigh the cost of repair vs. new purchase
We’ve all played the comparison game for countless items in our lives. For example: Should I invest in that $1,000 repair job on my very old truck, or is it time to trade it in for something newer? Should I pay someone to patch the roof again, or is it time for new shingles? This same kind of pros-and-cons decision-making can apply to your AC unit. If you are on a tight budget and don’t want to pay for a whole new unit right now, it could be better to invest in repairs that will get you through this season so you can save up a little before next summer rolls around. If your HVAC expert advises you that, even with repairs, your ancient AC system is likely to break down again shortly, it’s probably time to let it go.
Consider its use
Another important factor in your decision has to do with your location. If you live in Southern California and tend to just leave your windows open for the majority of the year, your unit might be just fine with a few regular repairs to keep it trucking for the couple of weeks it’s in service during the year. However, if you live in the southeast, where air conditioning is non-negotiable for most of the year, it might be a lot more cost-effective to invest in a new air conditioning unit as soon as possible.
One popular way of deciding on repair vs. replacement is to multiply the age of your AC unit by the quote for how much it would cost to repair it. If this number is higher than $5,000, it could be the right time to replace your unit. If it’s less, consider repairs instead. For example, if your AC unit is about 10 years old, and a repair is going to cost approximately $350, multiply those together and you’ll get $3,500. That number is well under $5,000, so perhaps you should repair it rather than buying a whole new unit. This isn’t a foolproof method, but it’s a helpful guideline as you go forward.
Ultimately, if you can’t decide what to do, just ask someone who has experience with AC repair in Visalia, CA. Call McGee Refrigeration for an inspection, and we can give you professional guidance to help you make the right decision.