Your air conditioner is a vital part of your home's HVAC system, keeping your family cool and comfortable every spring and summer. However, like any other appliance, the AC will experience repair and maintenance trouble sooner or later. When you start calling the technician more often than you'd like, it's time to decide whether you should repair or replace your system. Making the right choice will help you stay comfortable and save you money in the long run. Here's what to consider.

How to Choose Repair or Replacement for Your AC Unit

1. Age & Frequency of Repairs

Most air conditioners have a life span of 10 to 15 years. As your system reaches the end of its life, it will likely experience repair problems with greater frequency. If your system is reaching the end of this age range, it's probably time to replace the unit. A new unit will benefit from more advanced technology, higher efficiency, and a manufacturer's warranty.

2. High Utility Bills

Your energy bill will naturally go up when outdoor temperatures increase. However, if your utility bills seem to be increasing at a higher rate than you're used to, your system is no longer operating as efficiently as it should be. These issues should be inspected by a repair technician. 

Sometimes, a few small adjustments, such as replacing a clogged air filter and cleaning the coils, can improve energy efficiency. Other times, the unit is simply aging to the point that it should be replaced with a more efficient model.

3. Poor Performance

An aging air conditioner may no longer cool your home properly. It may struggle to keep your home at a comfortable temperature due to weak airflow or frequently cycle on and off. Inconsistent temperatures often mean the unit is no longer powerful enough to cool the entire home and should be replaced.

4. Use of R-22 Freon

R-22 Freon is being phased out to improve energy conservation. If your unit still uses R-22 Freon, refilling the refrigerant could prove to be extremely expensive because of limited availability. It may be more cost-effective to replace your air conditioner with a new unit that uses the more eco-friendly R410A refrigerant.

Whether you need HVAC repair or a new unit, you can trust Anderson Automatic Heating & Cooling. Serving the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area since 1929, this licensed and bonded air conditioning contractor is available 24/7 to handle any HVAC emergency. To learn more about their services and equipment inventory, visit them online or call (513) 574-0005.