When your air conditioning system develops a problem, one of the biggest questions you may have is whether it’s worth repairing or if you need a new unit instead. While every Colorado Springs homeowner will make a different decision based on their unique situation, there are key things you’ll want to consider. These include your system’s current age, the problem with it, and its operating efficiency.
Some other factors include whether you still have warranty coverage, the type of refrigerant your system uses, and how comfortably it keeps your home. Instead of guessing, it’s wise to contact a trusted HVAC contractor in Colorado Springs to get a professional evaluation.
Age Is a Big Concern
One of the first big considerations when it comes to cooling system replacement is age. Most central AC systems and heat pumps have a usable lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. On the other hand, ductless mini-split systems can last between 15 and 20 years with proper care.
As your system ages, it naturally experiences more component failures. From motors and compressors to coils and electrical components, they can get costly to repair. Even worse, these worn-out components will decrease the efficiency of your system, leading to more energy consumption.
In general, if you have a newer air conditioning system that has a minor malfunction, you should consider professional AC repair in Colorado Springs. Additionally, if you have an active warranty, repairs are your better option. However, if your unit is over 10 years old and doesn’t keep your home comfortable, a cooling system replacement is ideal.
Repair Costs
Not every air conditioner repair should turn into an AC replacement in Colorado Springs. Rather, many common issues like contactors, capacitors, thermostats, and blower motors can all undergo repairs for relatively low prices. It’s when your system needs a larger repair that thinking about cooling system replacement is necessary.
Some of these larger components include evaporator coils, condenser coils, and compressors. If your system is requiring repeated air conditioner repair throughout the season, those costs can add up very quickly. Rather than focusing on fixing it today, you may want to consider a cooling system replacement as a permanent solution.
Consider Your Energy Bills
As air conditioners age, their components wear out. That causes a significant reduction in operating efficiency. After years of normal wear and tear, your air conditioning system will consume more electricity to provide the same cooling for your home. Many homeowners throughout Colorado Springs first notice a steady increase in their utility bills throughout the summer.
If your energy bills are constantly rising even though you’re still using your system like normal, you likely have a struggling air conditioner. With today’s high-efficiency systems, there’s no reason not to consider an AC replacement in Colorado Springs. You can likely significantly reduce your month-to-month energy bills when you get a new system.
Know Your Refrigerant Type
Over time, the refrigerant inside air conditioning systems has changed. Older systems have R-22 and R-410A refrigerants. Both of these refrigerants are undergoing a phase-out process, as they are believed to be damaging to the environment. This process is reducing their usage in residential HVAC systems.
If you have a system that still relies on one of these, it may be time to consider a professional AC replacement in Colorado Springs. When you replace your air conditioner with one that uses R-454B, R-32, or one of the newer refrigerants, you can future-proof your home.
As supplies continue to dwindle, the cost of recharging your refrigerant will increase significantly. It can be helpful to get ahead of this major refrigerant shift by investing in an AC replacement in Colorado Springs today.
Assess Your Indoor Comfort
In general, comfort problems will develop gradually over time. This can make them easier to overlook until you actually sit down and think about it. If your air conditioner is struggling to maintain your thermostat setting during mild temperature conditions, it’s a problem. It could be a sign that you need to replace your air conditioner.
It’s always a good idea to call for professional air conditioner repair to get a thorough assessment from an HVAC contractor in Colorado Springs. A trusted contractor will be able to evaluate your system to see if repairs can solve your comfort issues. If not, you may want to replace your air conditioner to make your home more comfortable throughout the summer months.
How Often Are Repairs Becoming Necessary?
It’s fairly normal to need an air conditioner repair every few years. This is usually due to the components wearing out and requiring replacement. However, if you notice that you’re calling multiple times during the same cooling season for repairs, it’s a cause for concern.
Continuous breakdowns not only increase your repair costs but also cause a lot of frustration. Instead of worrying about the reliability of your cooling system, you may want to consider a replacement.
Benefits of Upgrading to a New Air Conditioner
If your current AC unit is unreliable or struggling to keep your home comfortable, an upgrade is likely the solution. Choosing a trusted HVAC contractor in Colorado Springs to do the installation process for you is a necessity. Professional installation ensures appropriate unit sizing and maintains your warranty coverage.
One of the most significant advantages of installing a new cooling system in your home is better energy efficiency. Modern cooling systems have technology like variable-speed motors and smart thermostats. This allows them to consume much less electricity than older models and leads to reducing your monthly utility bills.
When you get a new air conditioning system for your home, it comes with a new warranty. This can go a long way in giving you peace of mind about your financial future. While your breakdown risk is minimal, if it does happen, you have a warranty to cover it.
Another huge advantage of upgrading your air conditioning system is better and more consistent indoor comfort. Outdated units can produce uneven temperatures, warm spots, and run almost nonstop throughout the summer. Newer equipment will more effectively cool your home and maintain more precise temperatures.
Don’t Forget Routine Maintenance
One of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to your air conditioning system is that it needs routine maintenance. Whether you’re still using your older unit or you get a brand-new one, you need an annual tune-up service. This will take care of things like cleaning the evaporator coil and ensuring proper airflow to guarantee efficient system performance throughout the summer.
Schedule Professional AC Service Today
If your air conditioning system is acting out of the norm or is simply inefficient, it’s time to get a professional evaluation. Whether you need air conditioner repair or you want to replace your air conditioner, our trusted HVAC contractors in Colorado Springs can assist. We offer an extensive list of AC services, ranging from installation and replacement to repairs and maintenance.
Contact Elevation Mechanical today for fast AC repair in Colorado Springs.
