Knowing If It’s Time to Replace Your A/C or Just Repair It.

With summer temperatures rising, many homeowners rely on their A/C equipment to keep them comfortable. Not sure if your equipment is still up to task? We’ve put together a guide to help you identify whether it might be time to invest in a new HVAC system or simply repair the one you have.

Signs It May Be Time To Replace Your A/C:

1. Age: Most HVAC systems have a lifespan of around 10-15 years, depending on how well they’ve been maintained. If your system is approaching or has surpassed this age range, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than continue to spend on repairs. Older systems are also likely to be less energy-efficient, resulting in higher utility bills.
2. Struggling to keep up: If you notice that your A/C system struggles to maintain a consistent temperature, produces uneven airflow, or fails to adequately cool your home, it may be time to consider a replacement. A new system can offer improved performance and better comfort, ensuring a more pleasant living environment.
3. Frequent repairs: If you find yourself calling frequently to have issues fixed, it might be an indication that your equipment is nearing the end of its life. If the repairs are minor and relatively inexpensive, and the equipment is still around 10 years old, it may be worth fixing the issue. However, if the repair costs are substantial, and the equipment is 15 years older (or more), it’s typically more cost-effective to replace it. Keep in mind that spending money on multiple repairs for an aging system could end up costing you more in the long run.
4. High energy bills: Older HVAC systems tend to be less energy-efficient compared to newer models. Advancements in technology have resulted in HVAC systems designed to consume less energy while providing the same or better comfort level. Upgrading to a more energy-efficient system can not only reduce your energy bills but also have a positive impact on the environment.
5. Inflation and equipment cost increases: Over the course of 2020 – 2022, HVAC companies saw equipment manufacturers increase costs by more than 25%. When factoring in the increase of gas prices, wages, and the cost of material, this means that if you'd purchased a replacement A/C three years ago, you would have paid 30% – 40% less than today. Prices are expected to continue to increase as new SEER2 equipment becomes mandatory and metal price increases show no sign of declining. Continuing to put off purchasing a new A/C may end up costing you more in the long run.

DIY Maintenance Tips from Our Experts

While only a qualified HVAC professional can conduct a thorough assessment of your equipment and provide annual tune-ups, there are things you can do as a homeowner to help keep your system running efficiently and reliably.

• Keep it clean: Use a garden hose with low pressure (never use a pressure washer) to clean your exterior unit. Make sure you look at the sides when cleaning, as the condenser pulls air (and debris) in through the sides and pushes it out of the top.
• Keep it consistent: Remember it’s not just the air that you’re cooling when you run your A/C, it also needs to cool all objects and surfaces in your home. If it’s hot out, make sure you’re not programming your system to run too aggressively by turning it up too warm when you’re gone and expecting it to cool back down when you get home. Recovery time can be longer if the air and objects in your home have spent all day heating up.
• Keep it comfortable: Manufacturers design residential A/C equipment to run from 68-72 degrees. If you set your thermostat below 68, you might freeze it out, which requires professional repair and thawing.

To schedule an inspection of your A/C equipment by a licensed Bonfe HVAC technician, call us at (651) 212-5909