When contemplating whether to repair or replace your HVAC system, there are a few factors to consider. Although repair may seem like the cheaper fix, it isn’t always the best option for your home. Both repairing and replacing can have benefits and drawbacks, but successfully keep your home comfortable at the end of the day. In this blog, we discuss factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your HVAC in Hamilton, New Jersey and surrounding areas.
Should I Repair?
Depending on your situation, repairing your AC system can be the best solution. Typically, repair is the cheaper option when compared to replacement. Who doesn’t love to save money? However, it is important to understand in your decision to repair or replace if repair is actually cheaper in the long run. Ask yourself questions similar to:
- Will this repair be a temporary fix?
- Does my system have frequent breakdowns and costly repairs?
- Is my heating unit meeting my home comfort needs?
Your heating and cooling unit is much like your car. When your car breaks down, you take it to the body shop and have it fixed. Sometimes repairs can be costly or unfixable, which is when buying a new car is a possible solution. The same considerations apply when deciding to repair or replace your HVAC system.
Should I Replace?
Unfortunately, most appliances in your home will need to be replaced eventually. Your heating and cooling systems are used everyday and wear down over time. As your heating and cooling unit ages, it decreases in efficiency and can affect factors such as utility bills and comfort. While replacing your heating or cooling unit can be a costly investment, it can present many benefits.
If you are in the market to replace, your current system is likely causing you stress from breakdowns. Replacing as a whole can give homeowners peace of mind knowing they have a reliable unit in the summer and winter months. New HVAC units have higher efficiency which increases your overall comfort and energy savings.
Factors To Consider
Deciding whether to repair or replace your heating and cooling systems is a big decision for your home. We encourage you to consider the following five factors when deciding to repair or replace your HVAC system in Mercer County.
- The Age Of Your Unit
- The Cost Of The Repair
- The Efficiency Of Your Unit
- How Long You Will Live In Your Home
- The Cost Of Energy Bills
The Age Of Your Unit
HVAC systems typically last 10-15 years with proper maintenance given. The chance of breakdowns and frequent repairs increase after your unit hits the 10 year mark. If your unit is 10 years or older, components wear out and are likely to continue needing repairs until the unit eventually gives out. Frequent repairs and technician calls can be expensive, which makes replacement a good option.
The Cost Of The Repair
When determining whether to repair or replace, we recommend using the “$5,000 rule.” To calculate the “$5,000 rule,” multiply the age of the unit by the cost of repair. If the total exceeds $5,000, it may be best to replace the unit. If the repair is inexpensive and your technician recommends this as the best option, repair could be your best choice. Additionally, it is important to consider the frequency of repairs and how much each costs added together.
The Efficiency Of Your Unit
Most air conditioning units have Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings to determine efficiency, while many heating units use Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF) or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). The higher the rating, the more efficient your heating or cooling system will be. This rating can help determine your possible savings by replacing your unit. Your Home Allegiance technician can help evaluate your unit’s efficiency and determine the best solution for your home.
How Long Will You Live In Your Home?
If you are determining whether the best decision is to replace or repair your HVAC system, we first recommend evaluating how long you plan on living in your home. If you plan on staying in your home for many years to come, replacing your unit is worth the comfort increase and avoiding frequent repairs. If your heating and cooling unit works properly and you plan on selling your home, repairing could be the best option. However, many homebuyers look for new appliances and replacing your HVAC system can increase resale value.
The Cost Of Your Energy Bills
Older units may be the cause of high utility bills due the amount of energy they use. We recommend comparing heating and cooling costs between the years and evaluating efficiency. New units are made to be more energy efficient when operating, which can reduce your monthly energy bill and save you money in the long run.
Your comfort is our top priority every season. Give one of our expert technicians a call to help determine if repairing or replacing your HVAC system in Hamilton, New Jersey and surrounding areas. Our team has many core values, including trust, and will only select solutions best for your home!
