When you suffer an AC breakdown, your family is at risk of serious discomfort or health concerns. How do you decide whether to replace your air conditioner or install a new one? GRMetro Heating and Cooling is the number one choice for air conditioner services in Grand Rapids and can help you determine the best solution for your AC unit. In this article, we discuss factors to consider when faced with the choice to repair or replace your air conditioner.
Signs You Need AC Repair Or Replacement
While some signs of a broken air conditioner are obvious, others are more subtle. The following are the most common signs you should call a GRmetro technician for AC services in Grand Rapids, MI.
Poor Air Quality
It is important to maintain good indoor air quality both for your comfort and health. Our certified technicians can help improve indoor air quality in Grand Rapids, MI. Below are signs you have poor air quality due to a malfunctioning air conditioning unit.
- Temperature: If your air conditioner can’t reach your target temperature, you either have the wrong model, or it’s broken. If you notice lukewarm air when your AC unit previously performed well, call a technician.
- Pollutants: Your air conditioner’s filter should eradicate most dust and other particles from your home. If you notice your allergies or respiratory issues growing worse, your AC unit might need repairs or replacement.
- Consistency: With proper air circulation, your air conditioner should cool each room evenly.
Bad Noises And Smells
When you notice unusual smells and noises coming from your air conditioner, it’s a clear sign something’s wrong. The most common smells include mold or mildew, burning (which indicates an electrical problem), or decay from potentially lodged-in dead animals. Warning noises include banging, clanging, pounding, humming, buzzing, or rattling. If it makes a new noise, call a GRmetro professional to figure out why.
Power Issues
When your air conditioner rapidly turns on and off regardless of your temperature settings, professionals call it “cycling.” It indicates a problem, though not necessarily an electrical one. Another obvious sign is the complete inability to turn the unit on.
How To Choose Between Repair Or Replacement
If you are experiencing an AC breakdown in Grand Rapids, MI, you may wonder if repair or replacement is the best solution. While air conditioning repair is often the cheaper option, it is not always the best solution for your situation. When faced with this big decision, we encourage homeowners to consider the following factors.
Age
Your air conditioner’s age is the primary consideration when deciding whether to replace it. Most air conditioners last between 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance. But if your AC unit is 15 years old, it’s subject to more frequent and expensive repairs and reduced energy efficiency.
Even if your aging air conditioner seems to run well, a costly repair might be right around the corner. Consider replacing it early to save money on expensive breakdowns.
Repair Costs
You can use a simple formula to determine if an AC repair in Grand Rapids, MI would cost more than replacing it. Take the AC unit’s age and multiply it by the cost of the repair. If the total number is over $5,000, you’ll find it more economical to buy a new air conditioner rather than repair your current one.
Frequency Of Repairs
If you are experiencing more than two AC repairs in Grand Rapids, MI a year, it is time to replace your air conditioner. Frequent repairs are one of the most common signs you need a new AC system. Additionally, continuing to repair a dying system will only cost more money in the long run. The amount spent on an air conditioning repair each year can be put towards a new, efficient unit.
Energy Efficiency
As your air conditioner ages, its cooling efficiency decreases, meaning you spend more to get the same effect. If you’ve noticed your energy bills are consistently high, consider how a new model could save you money in the future.
If your current air conditioner is over 15 years old, it doesn’t have the technology that makes the newer models so energy-efficient and affordable. Consider how important efficiency is for your home when deciding whether to repair or install.
Warranties
What is the state of your warranty? If it’s still active, then use it and repair your AC unit. However, if your warranty has lapsed, you’ll receive a new one when you replace your current model. Many manufacturers offer warranties for five or 10 years. If your air conditioner is older, the warranty has likely run out, and it’s reaching the end of its life anyway.
Type Of Unit
When deciding whether to repair or replace, consider if your current air conditioner is the best fit for your indoor space. If it isn’t large enough, it can’t keep up with your needs. When you replace it, you can upgrade to a larger model, so you stay comfortable during the hottest months.
Benefits Of Installing A New Air Conditioner
We understand AC replacement in Grand Rapids, MI can be costly upfront, but the investment will be worth it in the long run. Below are four benefits of installing a new air conditioner for your home.
Upgraded Options
When you replace your air conditioner, you have a wide variety of options. You could upgrade from a window unit to central air or choose a model with greater capacity or energy efficiency than your previous model.
Long-Term Savings
When purchasing a new air conditioner, you’ll save money long-term in two important ways:
- Lower utility bills: Whether you’re purchasing a more energy-efficient model or a unit with the same energy rating as your old air conditioner, installing a new AC unit always decreases your energy bills. While you might hesitate at a new air conditioner’s upfront price, you’ll be thankful once you see how low your monthly bills are.
- Fewer repairs: Old air conditioners break frequently. While trying to extend your AC unit’s life expectancy might seem a good idea, you’re only prolonging the inevitable, and you won’t actually save money.
Increased Comfort
With a new air conditioner, you guarantee you’ll have enough cold and purified air to keep you comfortable all season long. You don’t have to settle for uncomfortable temperatures. Reclaim the comfort you deserve by installing a new AC unit in Grand Rapids, MI.
Peace of Mind
With the increased safety, comfort, and savings you gain by installing a new air conditioner, you can sleep well at night knowing you’re well taken care of. Don’t spend another restless night in discomfort; call GRMetro Heating and Cooling for a new AC unit!
Contact GRMetro Heating and Cooling for Air Conditioner Services
When your AC unit breaks, you’re now equipped to decide between repairs and replacement. GRMetro Heating and Cooling offers prompt and professional service for every air conditioner issue. We can install a new unit with friendly, stress-free service that restores your home to comfort. Give us a call at 616-889-0112 for AC repair or replacement in Grand Rapids, MI and surrounding areas!
