When to Consider AC Repair or Replacement

Warm weather is upon you as you've flipped on the air conditioning only to find yourself in a hot and stuffy home. You may be wondering if your AC simply needs to be fixed or if it’s time to replace the unit. 

Like most homeowners, you may also be wondering if an AC repair is something you can tackle as a DIY project or something that should be handled by a trained professional.

In today’s article, we are going to discuss when an AC repair is ideal when it’s time to consider a replacement, and what things you can do as a homeowner when your AC acts up. 

Tips for troubleshooting your AC

Unless trained as an HVAC technician, we advise homeowners to NOT attempt to repair an AC unit themselves. Leave it to a trained AC repair company. There are however things you can do to troubleshoot the problem which may save you time and money. 

• Is the circuit breaker on, or has it been tripped?
• Check the thermostat and ensure that it has been set to cool
• Has the air filter been cleaned? 
• Check if the coil or air conditioner is frozen
• Is there debris and buildup on the AC unit?

After troubleshooting, you may find that your AC does not need to be repaired after all! These things happen quite often and happen to the best of us especially during the spring season when transitioning from cold to hot temperatures. 

Unfortunately, these steps do not always solve the problem. If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and the AC still does not function properly then it may be time for a repair.

When it’s time to consider an AC repair

An AC unit doesn’t need to cease functioning completely to warn you that a repair is necessary. Anytime the equipment is acting strangely or underperforming, could be a sign that it’s time to consider a repair. 

Here are some indicators that the AC unit needs to be repaired:

• The unit will not turn on
• The unit is on but the air is not blowing
• The air from the unit is not cold or cooling down the house 
• There’s a strange smell coming from the unit
• The unit is unusually loud or is shaking more than normal

Rarely is air conditioning equipment subtle about needing a repair. If you think something is wrong with your AC then more than likely some type of repair will need to be made. 

When our clients call because they are in need of AC repair, we will attempt to help them troubleshoot the situation as best we can before we schedule an appointment. However, sometimes a repair is inevitable and we schedule an appointment to come out.

The AC repair process

In case you are a new homeowner or haven’t been in need of cooling services in the past, we wanted to help you understand the process. 

The repair process is fairly simple: 

• The customer will call the HVAC company and explain the issue at hand
• The HVAC company will schedule a time that’s convenient for the customer
• A technician will show up within the designated scheduled time
• The technician will first inspect the equipment based on the issue to get an understanding of the problem
• Once the equipment has been inspected, the technician can diagnose the issue
• If it’s a problem that can be repaired or fixed immediately it will be done on the spot
• Sometimes there is a broken part that needs to be replaced, in this case the tech will order the part and provide an estimate for when the piece can come in.
• At that point another day will need to be scheduled for the technician to come out and replace the part.
• Finally, your AC is repaired and you can feel the cool breeze once again!

For the homeowner, the process is pretty easy. However, because a technician may not be able to make it out immediately or if a part needs to be replaced, it may take time for your air conditioning to be fixed. This is why it’s important to call as soon as possible when you notice your AC acting up. 

This is one of the reasons why we recommend yearly maintenance or at the very least, checking your air conditioning equipment in the early spring before temperatures get too warm. No one wants to wait around in a hot house waiting for the repairman. 

When to consider an AC replacement?

An AC unit rarely dies all at once. As it gets older or if it is damaged, different components will wear out, break or malfunction and will need to be repaired. However, at some point, you will need to make the decision whether to repair the unit or to have it replaced. 

This can be a tough decision, but there are indicators that can help you decide that it’s time to replace the air conditioner instead of repairing it.  

• The AC unit is very old
• AC has been having problems often or year after year
• The repairs are getting to be very costly
• No longer effectively or efficiently cooling your home
• The wrong size unit was installed
• Expansions have been made to the home and you require different equipment

The most common reasons for AC replacement have to do with older worn out units, but it is not the only reason why people request a replacement. Anytime equipment is causing constant problems or not functioning the homeowner wants it to (i.e. cooling effectively), can warrant the need for a replacement. 

At the end of the day, if you are thinking you need a replacement and a technician suggests it, then you likely need one. Not only can it potentially save you money in the long run by avoiding inefficiencies and costly repairs, but it can also help you avoid waking up on a hot July day with no air to cool you down.

What to look for in a replacement ac unit

When it comes to replacing an AC unit the HVAC company you’ve hired will likely provide recommendations for you. However, you will have options and various things to consider when it comes to installing a new unit. 

Here are the main 3 considerations for choosing a replacement air conditioning unit

• Size
• Cost
• SEER rating

The bigger the size the higher the air conditioner’s potential cooling capacity which is important if your old unit was not strong enough to cool your entire home effectively. For some, the SEER rating, which indicates the unit’s energy efficiency, is another important factor as it can lower energy costs and lessen the environmental impact of the unit. Of course, all of these things will also affect the cost. I’m sure all of us would go with the newest, biggest, most energy-efficient model if costs weren’t a factor but the honest truth for most homeowners is that price is important and is definitely something to keep in mind. 

Consider Maintenance to reduce future repairs and extend the life of your AC unit

AC repairs and replacements are a natural part of owning a home. Over time mechanical components wear down and break and will need to be repaired. For homeowners who want to extend the time between repairs and extend the life of their units they can consider yearly maintenance.

Without yearly maintenance, the air conditioning’s performance will decline as will the life of the equipment. Additionally, with yearly maintenance, a service tech can catch issues before they cause your unit to break down. This ultimately will help you avoid breakdowns at the worse times and save you money in the long run.

There is a lot that goes into repairing, replacing and maintaining Air conditioning equipment. If you have questions or are having issues in the Maryland area then please feel free to give us a call. We will do our best to provide you with any help you need.