Our air conditioning systems are one of those things we rarely think of until it gives us trouble. Then we go into a panic. When we face the Texas heat without AC, we want it fixed, and we want it fixed now. You may have noticed as units get older, this seems to occur more and more often. Sometimes if we have just bought a home, we find that the HVAC system seems to be a constant headache and continually needs repairs.
Buying a home AC replacement is not a cheap proposition. So, many times, we keep calling an HVAC company to keep our old unit operating. The question is, does it make sense to keep paying for air conditioner repairs, or is it the smarter move to replace the old system? How do you know when it is time to throw in the towel and pony up for a new home air conditioner?
Here are a few questions to ask when considering a home AC replacement in Irving, TX.
The first and most obvious question is, how old is your current system? According to the U.S. government, the average lifespan for an air conditioner is around 15 years. This is an average for the country, and as you might imagine, AC units in Dallas, with triple-digit temps, work harder than in many other parts of the country. This naturally equates to shorter service lives.
As a general rule, if your unit is over ten years old, you’ll likely benefit by buying a new home HVAC system. The savings offered by a more efficient, updated AC unit will likely offset the cost of the new one in a few years’ time. After that, it is gravy.
A healthy HVAC system should only need seasonal servicing. They may need minor work from time to time, like unclogging a drain line or replacing a belt or capacitor. Beyond this and it starts to become concerning.
If your unit needs a major repair that exceeds 50 percent of its replacement cost or you need emergency AC repair services more than twice in a year, it is likely time for a home AC replacement. A unit that you can’t count on will become an emotional as well as a financial drain. There is no good time for your system to fail, and even minor repairs will add up over time.
This is the question that most homeowners don’t want to or can’t answer. The truth of the matter is that yearly or seasonal tune-ups, depending on the unit, can greatly extend the service life of your HVAC unit. They also minimize your operating costs by keeping your AC working at maximum efficiency.
We estimate that fifty percent of the emergency service calls we receive could have been prevented if the unit had been properly maintained. Needless to say, if a unit has not been serviced on a regular basis and is outside of the manufacturer’s warranty period, you are more likely to need to replace it.
It should be noted that if you do elect to replace your home’s AC unit, many manufacturers will not honor their warranty if the system has not received regular tune-ups. Considering the low price of maintenance service programs and the long-term savings they can provide, they are more than worth considering.
R-22 freon began being phased out in 2020 and can no longer be manufactured or imported into the United States. The big issue is that many older air conditioning units still use this obsolete refrigerant, and the supply is dwindling fast.
If your old HVAC system uses R-22, it is going to be costly any time it needs to be charged, and prices are likely to keep increasing over time. Once the current supply is exhausted, you will have no choice but to buy a home AC replacement.
For over 75 years, Quigley Heating & Air has met the air conditioning needs of the people of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We specialize in repairs and installation of commercial and residential HVAC systems. Contact us today to schedule a free evaluation or for answers to any HVAC questions you may have.
Quigley Heating & Air
13720 Diplomat Dr
Farmers Branch, TX 75235
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Phone: (214) 526-8533
Monday – Friday: 8AM – 5 PM
Saturday: 9am – 12pm
Sunday: Closed