Age is absolutely important when it comes to HVAC. The decision to repair or replace an outdated air conditioner is made regularly in homes with older air conditioners. Waiting for your old air conditioner to run out can drain your money and leave your house feeling disheartening for the next few days. As with most appliances, certain technological advances take place over the years.
If the air conditioning unit is old and starting to wear out, the best option may be to replace it. New changes in speed, thermostat and energy efficiency can make newer air conditioning units more cost-effective and convenient to use. Again, as with home heating, consider the age of your air conditioner. When it comes time to make the decision to repair or replace your air conditioning unit, age is an important factor. EnergyStar recommends replacing the air conditioning unit every 10 to 15 years.
If you have an air conditioning system that is eight years old or older, it may not be worth repairing, unless the repair is easy, such as a worn fan belt or a clogged condenser unit. In addition, diagnosing and repairing older air conditioning systems can take longer than diagnosing and repairing modern systems. Now, while you can repair your unit, just as you continuously spend money to repair an old car, it may be better to buy a new one at some point. When deciding whether to repair or replace an air conditioning unit, there are a few factors to consider, such as the age of the unit, its performance and efficiency, and the cost of any required repairs.
