It’s the middle of summer in Katy, TX. The temperatures are soaring, and you rely on your air conditioning system to stay cool. But one day, something goes wrong. Maybe you’ve noticed water pooling under your AC, or perhaps it’s started making strange rattling noises. Or maybe it’s stopped working entirely.
When your AC stops working, you generally have to stop to consider, is it worth repairing an AC unit? Or would it be better to replace the system entirely? Many factors can affect what decision works best for you; BVS Home Experts, a top AC repair contractor in Katy, TX, will help break them down so you can determine how to proceed.
What’s the Worth of Fixing an AC System in Katy, TX?
During the height of Katy, TX’s summers, you can’t afford to be without an air conditioning system. Repairs can help get your system working again. If the damage isn’t too expensive, you can save money by fixing the unit rather than replacing the whole thing. In addition, repairs often require less hassle than a full system replacement.
That said, repairs aren’t always the best choice. You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
AC Repair vs. Replacement Considerations
Is it worth repairing an AC unit? Under the right circumstances, yes. That said, you’ll want to think carefully about the following factors before moving forward.
The Age of the Unit
Like any device, your air conditioning system can only last for so long. As the years go by, they’ll start to take a toll on your unit. Parts will wear down and energy efficiency will decrease. Eventually, you’ll find yourself needing more frequent repairs until your air conditioning unit stops working completely.
The AC unit repair value can depend on how old your system is. If you haven’t had a unit for very long, repairing it will usually offer more value; if the unit is relatively old, however, it likely won’t last much longer anyway, so you may find it more valuable just to replace the system.
Most air conditioning systems will last at least 10 years. A well-maintained air conditioner may last up to 15 years but likely won’t last much longer, so replacement would be more appropriate at this age.
The Cost-Effectiveness of AC Repair
Replacing an air conditioning unit can be expensive — but sometimes, so can repairing it. Serious damage can take a lot of time, effort, and parts to fix. This will increase the job’s overall expenses, which may put unnecessary strain on your budget.
Make sure you get an estimate for both repairing and replacing your unit. If repairs would be less than 50% of the price of replacement, go ahead and fix the unit; if they’d be more than that, replacing the unit is generally more beneficial.
In addition, there are some problems that may simply be too big to fix. Make sure you discuss the job with your HVAC contractor to get an idea of how to proceed.
The Type of System You Have
Certain air conditioning systems will be harder to replace than others. Central air conditioning systems, for example, can be a bit of a hassle to redo. While efficient, their extensive ductwork and many moving parts make them expensive to replace. If you have a window air conditioning unit, however, you can likely replace the system without too much of an expense.
On average:
- Central air conditioning units cost roughly $5,000 to $6,000 to replace, though the number can reach up to $8,000 or higher
- Ductless mini-splits will usually cost around $4,000 to $5,000, though the price may spike for larger systems
- Window AC units may only cost $300 to replace, depending on the one you choose
Energy-Efficiency, Refrigerant, and Other Environmental Considerations
Trying to find ways to reduce your environmental impact is incredibly important, especially in the modern day. Many air conditioning manufacturers have taken steps to mitigate the effect their systems have on their environment, and it’s important that homeowners do the same.
Older units, for example, often use Freon as a refrigerant. This substance has proven to have a detrimental effect on the ozone layer, so manufacturers began phasing it out of their newer systems. If you purchased your system before 2010, you may want to consider replacing the system rather than repairing it.
Energy efficiency is another factor to consider. Newer units need to have higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, at a minimum of 14; upgrading can be an excellent idea if you’ve noticed that your air conditioning system isn’t working as efficiently as it used to.
How Well the System Has Been Maintained
A well-maintained unit is an effective one. If you make sure to schedule regular maintenance and prompt repairs, your system may last for years. If the system hasn’t been taken care of very well, however, it won’t last nearly as long.
Before scheduling service, take a look at your unit. If you’ve taken good care of it and it’s mostly in good condition, repairs will likely be the better option. If the system’s been neglected, however, you may want to just replace it and start fresh.
Making the Right Decision: Evaluating the AC Repair Investment in Katy, TX
There are many benefits of AC unit repair, under the right circumstances. Fixing a unit can sometimes help you save money, reduce hassle, and preserve the lifespan of an otherwise solid system. That said, if the system has sustained extensive damage, is relatively old, or isn’t as energy efficient as it used to be, replacing it is usually a better idea.
Is it worth repairing an AC unit? Discover if yours is worth fixing by reaching out to BVS Home Experts. We can help you learn more about the signs an AC needs repair, discuss the benefits of both repairs and replacements, and more. If you’d like to fix or replace your air conditioning system, call 281-916-8699 and learn more about how we can help today.
