When to Repair or Replace AC Unit

The air conditioner is the backbone of keeping any home cool during the hot summer months. As an essential part of your HVAC system, air conditioning units are integral parts of home comfort. However, when you start having problems with your air conditioner, you will be asking yourself whether it’s wiser to repair or replace your AC unit. The answer to your question depends on the situation.

What do you do in this situation? Furnace Guys are your HVAC experts when it comes to air conditioning repair and replacements. In this comprehensive guide, we will review the pros and cons of repairing and replacing your air conditioner and when to do which. Let’s dive in!

Common Air Conditioner Problems

Before deciding on the best option for you, your HVAC technician will need to determine what’s causing the problem. This will also determine whether you should keep your current unit or replace your older unit. Your air conditioning system is complex and can encounter multiple issues. Here are the most common problems they run into.

Unit Running All the Time

Your air conditioner will turn on more often as the temperatures heat up. Despite this, it should still turn off on its own from time to time. However, your energy bills will skyrocket if your AC unit is constantly running. The issue could be a faulty thermostat, compressor, dirty air filter, or electrical parts gone bad.

Not Turning On

The most obvious AC issue is when it doesn’t turn on at all. This can be super frustrating, especially when the weather is warm, and your home is heating up. This is one problem you want to avoid with your air conditioning system. There could be several reasons behind this happening, including problems with your thermostat or a tripped circuit breaker.

Lack of Cool Air

Your air conditioner should keep you cool. When it’s no longer blowing cold air, it’s not doing its job. There are two ways to notice this problem. Firstly, there may be no air coming out of the ducts, or the air coming out is not cold. The issue usually comes from a tripped circuit breaker, a worn blower belt or low refrigerant levels.

Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air

The last thing you expect your air conditioner to do is blow hot air. Not only is this uncomfortable, but this problem can happen any time of year, including the middle of summer. The culprit is often a dirty air filter, duct obstruction, or debris, which causes the compressor to overheat. Another thing to consider is low refrigerant levels.

Leaking Refrigerant or Water

When refrigerant leaks, you’ll see it in the coolant line. Look out for brightly coloured stains or puddles around your AC unit. Yes, condensation can build up around your air conditioning unit, but when there is too much moisture, water might leak out. Like other parts of your HVAC system, your air conditioner wears out over time. When your drainage pipes are blocked or your condensate pump is going bad, water leaks occur.

Air Conditioning Unit Cycling On and Off Constantly

Your conditioner will cycle on and off as it adjusts to the temperature of your home. However, it needs to complete its cooling cycle to avoid damaging your compressor. Most of the time, this is a simple repair such as a clogged air filter or a miscalibrated thermostat. In other cases, this could be due to your AC unit being too big for the size of your home, warranting an air conditioning replacement.

Icy AC System

Air conditioners work hard to keep your home cool, but ice should not form on the unit. When this happens, it means your AC unit is doing a little too much and costing you extra money on your energy bills. That’s why cleaning out your air filters and condenser units is so important. Otherwise, your air conditioner will encounter this issue over time.

Circuit Breaker Problems

An AC unit should trip a fuse every time it turns off. When this occurs, you have to stop what you’re doing to turn everything back on. This can happen because of poor AC installation practices. What we mean is that your circuit breaker and wiring should be able to handle your air conditioner and not blow a fuse. Always ask a professional for help when installing an air conditioning replacement.

Musty Scents

If your AC unit smells like something’s burning when it runs, you have a problem. Air conditioners should not have a musty smell coming from the vents. When this happens, the motor may have wiring problems, or the air filters may be clogged. Your best bet is to schedule a cleaning with an HVAC technician because the smells are a result of improper drainage.

Odd Sounds Coming From AC Unit

AC systems make a humming noise when they run, but if your outdoor unit is making other sounds, something else might be wrong. Vibrations, squealing, and grinding noises are causes for concern. Squealing sounds are a sign of worn or poorly aligned belts, while grinding could indicate a problem with the motor bearing. Keep your AC system in top shape by scheduling repairs when this occurs.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, it may be time to repair or replace your air conditioner. Your best option is to consult an HVAC professional to determine if a new air conditioner is right for you. After all, AC units can get pricey, and getting a second opinion is the best way to determine if you need a new system or if you can get a little more time with your current system.

Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner?

What’s the better option for you? Should you repair or replace your air conditioner? When deciding whether or not a new AC unit is for you, take these factors into account.

Age of AC System

How old is your air conditioner? Think about how old your AC system is because age plays a significant role in whether you should repair or replace your system. If your air conditioner is less than ten years old, opt for repairs. However, once it surpasses 15 years of age, a new AC unit makes more sense because it has likely reached the end of its life expectancy.

Repair Costs

How much does it cost to fix your air conditioner compared to replacing the entire system? Getting a repair is logical if you haven’t had your air conditioner for very long and have been maintaining it. However, an aging AC system with a high repair cost is when AC replacement is a better idea. This is especially true when the cost of a repair is more than half of a replacement.

Number of Breakdowns

Do you find yourself calling for AC repairs all the time or does this only happen from time to time? If the former is true, you probably need an new air conditioner. In the case of the latter, you should keep your current system for a bit longer. An efficient cooling system will work without failure and only require regular maintenance rather than constant repairs.

Energy Efficiency Rating

Is your air conditioner energy efficient? First off, an air conditioner’s energy efficiency is determined by its SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). For example, 14 is a decent SEER and means you have an energy efficient AC system that will save you money on your cooling costs. However, an older AC unit with a rating lower than 12 will cost you more, but AC replacement will lower your energy bills.

Amount Spent on Energy Bills

Over time, you may notice your energy bills creeping up. When this happens, it may be a sign you require AC repair or replacement. How do you know which one you need? If your energy costs are staying relatively the same, a repair is likely worthwhile. In contrast, replacement costs won’t look so bad if your bills are climbing and you need frequent repairs.

When your AC unit is having problems, you can replace broken parts. A well maintained air conditioning system can last for several years. However, as your air conditioner gets older, it gets harder to find ways to fix it. That’s when replacement comes into play. After all, getting a new air conditioner can be a great way to get a higher SEER rating while lowering your energy bills.

Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner Today!

At Furnace Guys, we understand that deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioner is a big decision. It can weigh on you financially and affect your level of home comfort. However, calling in an HVAC professional is the smartest choice for all your cooling needs. When you speak with one of our team members, we will help you address your AC problems in a safe and cost-effective way.

Does your air conditioner need repairs? Maybe you need a replacement? Whatever the case, contact us today to learn more about our air conditioning services in Saskatoon.

AC Repair and Replacement FAQs

Is it better to repair or replace an AC unit?

Repairing or replacing your air conditioner is a big decision. Before you go out and spend money on a new unit, you should consider the following:

• Age of AC system
• Costs of repairs
• Number of breakdowns annually
• Energy efficiency rating
• Money spent on energy bills

The answer to this question depends on these factors. For example, if you’ve kept up with annual maintenance, your AC unit is less than a decade old, and the SEER rating is high, get your AC system repaired. In contrast, if you have a 15 year old air conditioner that breaks down all the time and your energy bills are at an all time high, consider getting a new unit.

When should you replace or repair your air con?

You should replace or repair your air conditioner when a new unit is necessary or when repairs are more affordable. It comes down to the previously mentioned factors. An old air conditioner with a plethora of problems should be replaced. In contrast, if you’ve maintained your current system over the years and you’ve had minimal issues, opt for a repair.

How often should you replace AC?

Generally, you should replace your AC unit every 10 to 15 years. This is usually when their parts start breaking down more frequently and are around the end of their lifespan.

At what age should you replace your AC?

If you haven’t already, you should replace your AC unit when it’s older than 15 years. Older units are less energy efficient, and the estimated repair cost likely rivals the replacement cost.

Do new air conditioners take time to work?

No, once your HVAC professional installs your new system, you can start using it right away.

What time of year is best for AC maintenance?

Since summer is the peak time for using your air conditioner, we recommend getting maintenance done in the springtime.

How do I know if my AC needs repair?

There are a few telltale signs that your AC needs repair. If you experience any of the following, you need someone to repair your air conditioning unit:

• Constantly running unit
• Air conditioner is not turning on
• No cool air
• Blowing hot air
• Water or refrigerant leak
• AC cycling on and off
• Ice on AC unit
• Circuit breaker issues
• Odd smells
• Weird noises

If you are experiencing any of these issues, your current system needs repairs. If the problems add up, consider getting a new air conditioner.

What is the process of replacement of an AC? 

Air conditioner replacement can be broken down into a few steps. Before anything starts, your HVAC technician will have to remove any old equipment and your old AC system. Next, your technician will begin the installation process both inside and outside your pump by installing all the necessary parts, including the wiring and circuitry. Once the installation is complete, your technician will test your new AC system to ensure it’s in working order to keep you cool all summer long.

What should I do before my AC replacement?

There are a couple of steps you can take to prepare for AC replacement day. Before your HVAC technician arrives, you should move anything important away from the installation area. This may include valuables and anything else you want to avoid getting damaged. Also, ensure pets are in a quiet spot away from the installation site.

What should I do before my AC is repaired?

Before your HVAC technician arrives to repair your AC unit, there are a few things you can do to make their job easier. First off, you should identify what you think the problem could be and write it down. Additionally, you should get any obstacles, such as furniture or other items in your yard, out of the way. Also, check your AC unit’s brand, model, and age. You should consider getting a new air conditioner if your system is quite old.