AC Replacement vs. Repair

The question comes up often for whether it is better to replace or repair a broken HVAC unit, and the answer is not the same for every unit. Determining whether you should repair or replace a unit is decided through what components malfunctioned, how old the unit is, what deals or incentives a new unit is offered with, and what caused the issue in the first place.

Component Malfunction

Air conditioning units have a number of components that will wear down over time. One of the more common issues is the blower motor and belt which are fairly cost effective to replace. But more expensive issues like a broken freon compressor will be harder and more expensive to replace. A broken freon compressor is a good sign that further and more frequent issues will start to pop up with your HVAC unit.A good rule of thumb when determining whether you should replace or repair is if the repair job is more than $500 on a unite over 10 years old. You may not see a viable return on the investment of the repair, and especially with more current and efficient HVAC units on the market, your money can go further to offer additional cost savings.

HVAC Age

The average life of a system before multiple repairs start occurring is 10 – 15 years, and if your unit is over 10 years old it may be a better option to replace over repairing. With the stress and strain that is constantly put onto HVAC units during the summer, parts will continue to degrade and worsen over time. Replacing components over and over again will add up quickly on older units, and you will begin to fall behind with your HVACs efficiency.With the development of HVAC efficiency, a new system costs up to 50% less to operate than a 10-year-old unit. In addition to the efficiency savings most new HVAC units come with a 10 year part warranty which will keep you covered for years to come.

New Unit Incentives

With offers deals and savings from HVAC manufacturers, installers, and utility providers a great portion of a new HVAC unit's cost will be offset. Utility providers incentivize business and homeowners towards upgrading to a new and more efficient model.The cost of a new HVAC unit can be drastically lowered when you take advantage of seasonal deals with manufacturers and installation deals like we have here at Stan's Heating and Cooling. Factoring in the incentives available, the cost of the repair, the lower operating cost of a new system, the cost of further repairs and the depreciation of the existing system the payback for replacement can be as low as 2-3 years.

Need Help Deciding?

If you're unsure if you should replace or repair your HVAC unit, Stan's is here to help you make the best choice. As the foremost service for AC repairs in Austin, TX, our team of certified technicians will provide you with a thorough assessment and accurate diagnosis of your system. Our team will provide you with the necessary information to understand the condition of your HVAC unit and the associated costs for repair and any other required action.

Whether you need an air conditioner replacement or repair, Stan’s is here to help you get the most out of your HVAC system.