Your HVAC system is broken. Buying a new one would be expensive, but fixing this one might not be worth the trouble. How do you know whether to repair or replace? Here are a few things to look for.
- Age. If your AC is more than 10 to 12 years old or your furnace is more than 12 to 15 years old, you’re better off replacing it. You’ll likely need a new one in a few years anyway. This way, you can get a jump on things, ultimately saving money and getting a better, more efficient system now. Technology is constantly improving, so the units available today will keep you more comfortable for less money than one that’s more than a decade old.
- Repair costs. There are two ways to calculate whether it’s worth the money to repair your unit. The first way is to take the cost of repairs and multiply it by the age of your system. If the result is more than $5,000, you’re better off getting a new unit. For instance, say your unit is eight years old. $600 in repairs would be worth making (8 x $600 = $4,800), but $700 wouldn’t (8 x $700 = $5,600). Or, if you’d rather simplify things, you could say that if the cost of repairs is more than half the cost of a new system, get the new system as an answer to the question of repair or replace?
- Repair frequency. How often does your HVAC system break down? If it’s more than once or twice a year, then continuing to have it repaired is just throwing good money after bad. Instead, get a new one that will run more smoothly and give you less hassle as the answer to repair or replace?
- High energy bills. HVAC units become less efficient as they get older. If every year, your system seems to use more energy and cost more money, invest in a new one that will heat or cool your home more efficiently. Then, once you have it, don’t forget get your annual tuneup to keep it running efficiently for longer.
Are you wondering whether you should repair or replace? Contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We help Indianapolis with all its HVAC needs.
