Should I Repair or Replace My Wake County AC System?
Deciding between repair and replacement can be difficult, but a few key factors make the decision clearer from Raleigh to Fuquay Varina in Wake County.
Here’s what to consider:
The Age Of Your System Matters Most
If your AC is less than 10 years old, repair usually makes sense unless you’re facing a major component failure like the compressor. Systems over 15 years old that need significant repairs are typically better candidates for replacement since they’re near the end of their expected lifespan anyway.
Cost Of Repair Versus Replacement
A useful rule of thumb is to multiply the repair cost by your system’s age in years. If that number exceeds the cost of a new system, replacement is probably the smarter investment. For example, a $500 repair on a 15-year-old system equals $7,500, which exceeds replacement cost.
Frequency of Repairs Adds Up
If you’re calling for repairs multiple times per cooling season, those costs add up quickly and indicate your system is declining. At some point, you’re just throwing good money after bad, trying to keep an old system limping along.
Energy Bills Keep Rising
Older, failing AC systems lose efficiency and use more electricity to provide the same cooling. If your summer energy bills have been climbing even though your usage hasn’t changed, your AC is working harder and costing you more to operate every month.
R-22 Refrigerant Is Obsolete
If your older AC uses R-22 refrigerant (Freon), which was phased out in 2020, recharging it can be extremely expensive due to limited supply. Systems that need significant refrigerant added are usually better replaced with modern systems using newer, more environmentally friendly refrigerants.
We can help you decide if it makes more sense to repair or replace your unit.
Give Dawson’s HVAC a call at 919-887-8284 for your free assessment or contact us online with any questions!
