Right now, in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and the surrounding areas, you should have had your air conditioning unit turned on for the coming summer months. But, after a few weeks of running your AC, it breaks down. So, should you repair it? Or replace it? It’s a decision that comes with a fine line. Affordable Service Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling can help you with that decision!

The first thing you may want to consider is the lifespan and condition of your current air conditioning unit. Most units should last fifteen to twenty years if the owner has followed the recommended maintenance. If your unit hasn’t been cleaned in a while, the buildup of dirt and grime can make your air conditioner work harder and wear out faster. Also, if your unit is too small, it can wear out faster because it’s working harder to cool a larger space.

For the cost of repair, know approximately what the replacement cost would be first. If your current AC unit has used at least 75 percent of its lifespan and any repair costs more than a third of the replacement cost, it’s time to consider replacing it. If your home air conditioning unit is newer than that, minor or inexpensive repairs make more sense than replacing.

For some older air conditioning models, replacement parts may become harder and harder to find as technology advances. If possible, keep track of any parts or repairs you’ve made to your unit.

If your home HVAC unit was installed before 2019, it is likely cooled with R22 refrigerant, aka Freon. Freon is being phased out by the federal EPA, and will be unavailable by next year, 2020. Because of this, R22 prices have been rising. Over the next year, maintaining an air conditioner unit that uses Freon/R22 will only get more and more Expensive. Affordable Service Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can help you make the switch to a new model that uses a more modern refrigerant.

Lastly, the major repairs such as compressor failure or refrigerant leaks are the two repairs where you should consider a replacement the most. A new compressor is going to be the most expensive and is a strong indicator of other potential issues with your home air conditioning unit. If you have a refrigerant leak, that may be a sign that your coils have worn out

Now, it’s time to compare the cost for a home air conditioning unit replacement. The first thing you should compare is the cost of the equipment. Some of the equipment that seems a bit pricier is more likely to pay off by lasting longer and saving you money on your utility bills. Additional add-ons like air purifiers may increase the cost of a new air conditioning unit as well.

When it comes time for the installation process, the biggest thing you will need to consider is the sheer complexity of the project. Your best bet is to hire a quality installer, like Affordable Service Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling! You don’t want to trust just anyone when it comes to handling complicated equipment. You want a reliable installation company that is easy to communicate with. They should take your specific situation and home into account and treat both with the respect they deserve! So, call us today, at 505-255-4328. We service Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and the surrounding area!