It’s estimated that nearly 90% of households in the United States rely on air conditioning. Unfortunately, summers are getting hotter everywhere, including Pittsburgh, PA. As such, the importance of having an operational AC system is more important than ever before.
If you’ve lived in a home with an AC for a while, or you recently bought a new home, you might notice the HVAC system is showing signs of age. If so, you’re likely asking yourself, should I repair or replace HVAC?
While this might seem like a simple question, there are a lot of factors that go into answering it. In this HVAC maintenance tips guide, we’ll help you decide which option is right for your needs.
Signs Your AC Needs Repair or to be Replaced
Deciding whether to repair or replace an HVAC can be a bit of a balancing act. On the one hand, replacement AC systems can be costly. Experts find that the average cost for central air installation is around $5,861.
On the other hand, you don’t want to sink money into repairing a system that will just end up in the dump anyway. That’s why it’s important to weigh the various factors so you can choose the best call for your specific system.
The Age of the AC System
Most AC systems will last between ten to fifteen years before they need replacing. If you take good care of your system there’s a chance they’ll last longer than that.
The ten-year mark is important when determining whether to keep or replace your system. If your AC is ten years old and you find that it constantly breaks down and requires expensive repairs, replace it.
However, if it’s ten years old, well-maintained, and hasn’t required any major repairs, you should consider keeping it.
The Cost of the Repair
It’s quite easy for AC repairs to cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If the repairs cost too much, it simply makes more sense to replace it. One rule of thumb you can follow is the five thousand rule.
Take the age of the AC system and multiply it by the cost of the repairs. If the figure goes over $5,000, you should just replace it. However, if it’s under it, then it makes sense to repair it.
How Often You Maintained It
The more often you maintain your AC system with regular tune-ups, the longer it’s going to last. Not only that, but it will also make your system more efficient.
Maintenance typically involves a thorough cleaning of the system. The professional will look out for things like leaks in the air handler or ductwork. They’ll also clear away any debris and replace filters.
If you’ve been maintaining your AC regularly each year, there’s a higher chance you’ll want to repair it. On the other hand, if you’ve been neglectful it can cause irreparable damage to certain components which will often require a complete system change.
Whether It Uses R-22 Refrigerant
If your AC unit is over ten years old, there’s also a good chance that it uses R-22 refrigerant. Unfortunately, this can be a problem if you want air conditioning repair or maintenance it.
That’s because the government began phasing out the use of the R-22 refrigerant back in 2020 for environmental reasons. It’s being replaced by the R-410A refrigerant that you’ll find in more modern units.
Because no more R-22 refrigerant is being produced it means that any repairs that require it are going to be extremely expensive since supplies are so low. As such, you’re better off replacing it with more energy-efficient HVAC options.
The Cost of Energy Bills
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how regularly you maintain your old AC unit – it’s still going to be less efficient than newer models. Unfortunately, that means that your energy bill will likely be high during the intense Pittsburgh summers.
If you’ve been shocked by the price of your last electricity statement, you might want to consider replacing it. On top of tax incentives, it can save you money on monthly energy costs.
How Long You Plan On Staying In the Pittsburgh Property
The last factor you should consider is whether or not you see yourself at your Pittsburgh property for the next few years. If you plan on moving away in a year or two, it doesn’t make much sense to pay for a replacement AC system that you won’t benefit from.
On the other hand, if you want to settle down in your home for ten to fifteen years you can get the most value out of a new system.
Which Option Is Right for Your HVAC System?
If you want to break things down into black and white, there are typically clear indicators that tell you whether you should repair or replace. If the repairs cost under $5,000, the system is less than ten years old, you have a maintenance plan, or the warranty will cover the repairs, then you should try to fix it.
Similarly, if the repairs are over $5,000, it’s over ten years of age, or you simply want a more efficient system, then replace it. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a black-and-white world when it comes to AC services. As such, we recommend consulting with a professional if you still aren’t sure.
They can look at your system and answer any questions you might have about which option is best for you. Just make sure you choose the right heating and cooling company in the Pittsburgh area.
Contact South Hills Electric LLC for Air Conditioning Repair or Replacement in Pittsburgh, PA
We hope this guide helped you learn whether you should repair or replace HVAC system. Here at South Hills Electric, Heating & Cooling, LLC, we know that homeowners have a lot of questions about what’s right for their specific system.
That’s why we use over three decades of experience to help find the perfect solution for your needs. So if you’re ready for affordable Pittsburgh HVAC services and family-inspired customer service, get in touch with us today.
