Is It Time to Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
H ey sweating reader – have you ever wondered why your air conditioner seems to be having some issues lately? Or, when the A/C starts to blow warm air, do you shrug it off as a “no big deal” moment? Whether it’s a warm day outside or you’re experiencing the dreaded hot flashes, the humidity in the air can make any room feel like a sauna sometimes. But what many people don’t realize is that your air conditioner is something that should be taken care of and tended to in order to avoid expensive repairs. So, feeling a bit hot under the collar? It may be time to call an HVAC expert and explore all your options for repair or replacement!
Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
A common dilemma that homeowners face is making the decision on whether to repair or replace their air conditioner. However, understanding the facts regarding these options can make this determination extremely simple. Here are five factors that you should understand for each option:
1. Condition of Compressor:
A compressor is a critical component of the air conditioning unit, which works day and night to cool your home during the warm Summer days The failure of your Compressor windings can cause severe damage to the rest of the system. Observe your air conditioner: if it’s not blowing strong and consistently, this represents a sign of trouble. A compressor problem will continue to build and eventually break down the rest of the air conditioner system, causing you to face expensive repair or replacement bills.
Most compressors are meant to last around 10-12 years, but when well maintained, they can last for over 20+ years. But when the compressor starts to show signs of wear and tear, follow the guides of a reliable HVAC professional to determine the best compressor for your AC, as repairing AC compressors is often not possible.
2. Evaporator/Indoor Coil:
The evaporator is the part of the air conditioning unit that’s exposed to the house, so if it’s leaking or failing in any way, you’ll know about it. Examine your unit’s vent (following the instructions in your manual) to see the fins on the evaporator. Is there a color coming off on your hand when you run your fingers along with the fins? That could be a sign of a problem. Thoroughly scrape off the buildup to see if there is a dry rot problem underneath. If there is, it’s time to replace your unit. All the internal parts, including the evaporator fan motor, may function perfectly fine even after many years of operation. But it’s good to clean and replace the fins and the evaporator fan motor. Otherwise, replacing the whole outdoor unit would be the best option.
3. Condenser/Outdoor Coil:
The location of the unit is important because the condenser is located outdoors, so it may suffer from weather damage if the unit is located in an area that’s exposed to the environment. Look at the condenser unit and see if there is any rust or corrosion on the fins. Run your hand across the condenser and see if there is any dry-rot or mold. What about the electrical work? Take a look to see if the wiring and breakers are in any disrepair. If you see that the condenser is worn out, it’s time to call for an expert Air conditioner Installation in Toronto, ON and Nearby areas.
If there are no signs of problems, only cleaning would be enough to keep the condenser running well. Any locally established AC service provider should be able to clean the outdoor unit and ensure that the coil and the unit are free of debris. However, replacing the outdoor unit would be your best bet if the area is extremely hot and dusty.
4. Cost Associated with Repair & Replacement:
Of course, we all want to save money where we can, and one prime way to do this while also protecting your home and family would be to repair an air conditioner yourself. Repairing an air conditioning unit properly is actually quite technical and will cost you a considerable amount of money. If you try to fix it yourself and have no experience with this, you risk damaging your HVAC unit, and the repair could wind up being more expensive than having your HVAC experts fix it.
If you are planning on getting a new AC unit, be ready to spend big bucks as the total cost will range from $3600 to $7200, especially when you are opting for a much energy-efficient unit like a 16 SEER unit and up.
Conclusion
As it’s evident from the factors discussed, replacing your air conditioner is the best option if your system is at the end of its life-cycle. This option will require a larger investment in order to purchase and install a new AC, but the benefits far outweigh the costs, as a new system will last you much longer and will be much more energy-efficient compared to an old worn-out AC unit.
If you are on a tight budget but still want to get better performance out of your existing air conditioning unit, then you should consider calling a reputable air conditioner repair service. With their expertise, they can assist you in understanding the best option for you from both a financial and comfort standpoint.
Being a concerned homeowner or business owner, you must evaluate all your options to better understand your needs. Each scenario is unique, and it cannot be generalized. If you want to keep your air conditioner in good shape and avoid paying out-of-pocket costs, call Temp-A-sure today for an HVAC repair in Toronto, ON.
Contact our Air Conditioning Repair Services in Toronto, ON
Here at Temp-A-Sure , we strive to provide a personalized customer experience through our industry-leading knowledge and technology. We know that we are a company that values helpfulness, timely communication, and providing a job well done. No matter what your heating or cooling needs may be, we are sure to deliver to the level of excellence that you deserve, and that will keep you coming back to us for years to come. Contact us today for a Free Quote, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.