Local HVAC Specialist: When To Get An AC Replacement

Houston, Texas based Air Check Mechanical Service is reaching out to explain how homeowners can determine when it is time to get an AC replacement. This is the topic discussed by the specialists in their new article, ‘Air Conditioning Replacement Vs. Repair’ where they go deep into detail on common misconceptions and concerns.

"This is one of the most common areas our customers ask us about," states Donald Compton of Air Check Mechanical Service. He continues, "When it comes to Air Conditioners, it is hard to know when it is time to go of your old unit and think about replacing it rather than spending more money on repairs. There are no obvious cues to help you decide one or the other, and while the time will inevitably come for you to part ways with your old unit, you can save money by continuing to repair in the meantime.”

Compton states that there are several points to consider in this regard. The system's lifespan is one of the most important; he explains that one must first evaluate if the system's repairs are costing more than what a replacement would cost. He says, "You must take a look at how much money you spent on the system in the first place. If you think that you have used it for all it's worth, then it probably is time to upgrade to a newer, more efficient unit."

There are also a few evaluations that can be done to determine a system's remaining lifetime. A specialist can do a check on the coils or the blower motor of the unit to see if they are still in working condition. If they are fine and yet the unit is still having difficulties reaching the home’s desired temperature, then there may be more problems in the system than just a single component or two. As repair prices can ramp up rapidly and add up to be equivalent to that of a new unit, homeowners should keep track of any possible expenditure before making a commitment.

The system's age is also an important factor to consider when thinking about buying a replacement. EnergyStar recommends replacing an AC unit every 10 to 15 years, though this can vary greatly depending on the kind of workload and stress that the unit is put through. Some of the more durable models can easily go for the full 15 years with proper maintenance and a moderate workload. Other systems can struggle to make it to their first decade without needing constant repairs, and even if they do, their efficiency can be greatly impaired.

Another aspect to consider is time. New system installations can take a few days, depending on the size of the home or building, the type of installation, type of unit and location of the install. Throughout the process, there will be an entire team of HVAC maintenance professionals working in the house around the clock, which may be inconvenient for some people. There may also be a long waiting list before they can schedule an appointment in the first place.

With so many things to keep in mind, the best way to decide whether it is time to replace or repair the AC unit is to seek the advice of a professional. Compton states, "If you are struggling to make a decision, you can always get professional advice to help you decide. We will locate the problem areas of your HVAC system and present you with all of the information that you need to make a choice, along with our professional recommendation. We deal with these kinds of issues on a daily basis, and we can shed light on the benefits of each option depending on your situation."

Air Check Mechanical Service is a well known HVAC company with a wide range of services. Their Residential services range from AC Installations and Repairs to Furnace Repairs and Air Handler installation. Commercial services are also available, offering special accommodation for owners who need to keep their business running with minimum disruptions.

The company's website offers more information on Air Check Mechanical Service and their capabilities. Interested parties may reach out to Donald Compton to follow up on any further inquiries.