Has your AC broken down yet again? Minor repairs adding up? If you’re facing an AC repair for the third (or fourth, or fifth) time, you may start to wonder whether it‘s worth it. Maybe you should just invest in a new air conditioner. Or not?
To make an informed decision, consult our guide below on repair vs. replacement of your air conditioner.
Free Quote for Air Conditioner Repair or Replacement in Ottawa
1. How Old Is Your Air Conditioner?
You can expect your central air conditioning to last an average of 15-20 years, possibly more with regular A/C maintenance. As an AC system approaches that magic number, its energy efficiency and cooling power will tend to decline gradually. (ENERGY STAR® recommends replacement at the ten-year mark.)
Have you noticed your AC unit is leaking outside? This could be a sign that your AC unit is too old.
Verdict: If you have an older system, talk to an Ottawa Home Service HVAC technician. They’ll give an expert opinion on how long it’s likely to last.
2. Is Your Energy Bill High?
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating indicates how efficient your air conditioner is. The higher the SEER rating, the lower your monthly energy bills. Today’s technology means much more efficient air conditioners are available now than even a few years ago.
Verdict: Once again, get professional advice from Ottawa Home Services.
3. Too Many Repairs?
When your AC requires frequent, costly repairs, calculate whether it’s worth hanging on to your current system. Multiply the unit’s age by the latest air conditioning repair estimate. Example: a 5-year-old unit X a $600 estimate = $3,000.
Verdict: If the result totals more than $3,000, it’s not worth paying for yet another repair. A replacement will keep you cooler and save you money.
4. Does It Use R22 Refrigerant?
For decades, R22 (“Freon™”) was the standard air conditioner refrigerant — until scientists discovered it depleted the ozone layer. As a result, the Canadian government banned the import and production of R22 beginning January 1, 2020.
This means if your system develops a refrigerant leak, it’s in trouble. Only recovered or recycled Freon™ is available to service the system at an ever-increasing price.
Verdict: Start shopping for a new, easy-to-service, eco-friendly air conditioner.
5. Is Your Air Conditioner Running All The Time?
Normally, the cooling system will cycle on and off as your home reaches the desired temperature. When your air conditioner runs all the time (excluding extremely hot days) without a break, you may have a problem with your thermostat … or with the AC itself.
Verdict: Troubleshoot air conditioning that keeps running constantly. If simple DIY techniques like adjusting the thermostat or changing the filter don’t help, or you notice any freezing, your system may be in need of repair. Compare the cost to get it fixed with the price of a replacement.
6. Is Your Air Conditioner Not Cooling?
The job of your AC system is to dehumidify and cool your home. Period. An air conditioner that’s not cooling properly is a sign of something wrong and needs assessment promptly.
Verdict: Check your thermostat and replace your air filter. If neither of those solves the problem, call Ottawa Home Services. We’ll track down the source of the problem and advise you on air conditioner repair vs. replacement.
How This Stittsville Homeowner Rates AC Replacement by Ottawa Home Services
From the initial contact and estimate to the install and follow-up, Ottawa Home Services has been excellent to deal with. Installing our new air conditioner was made very easy and the crew friendly and professional. During the estimate, all my questions were answered, and appropriate options were suggested for the requirements of the home. The install crew arrived on time and left a very clean work area when completed.
The customer service delivered was excellent!
***** 5 stars
– Tim L, Stittsville
Ottawa Home Services — The Best Way To Keep Your Home Cool
Are you having trouble with your air conditioner? Contact Ottawa Home Services to track down the source of the problem. We’ll help you decide which makes more sense — repair or replacement of your current AC system. Then enjoy the summer in your nice, cool Ottawa home!