Air conditioners keep our homes safe from excessive heat and dangerous health problems like heat stroke. Even better, air conditioner maintenance can save you a lot of money every year. According to Gitnux, air conditioning costs Americans over $29 billion annually; repairs and replacements can manage problems and keep your unit running efficiently to reduce those costs. But how do you know whether to repair or replace your unit? Let’s dive in to find out!

Warm Air Problems: Probably Just Needs Repairs

Have you ever turned on your air conditioner only to feel warm air coming out of the vents? Don’t panic; repairs might be all that’s needed. There are many reasons warm air might flow, including poor thermostat usage or even a compressor problem triggering airflow restriction.

When will you need a replacement? Only when you’ve exhausted every other repair solution and nothing seems to work. We understand why you’d want to hold onto your AC as long as possible, but there comes a time when air conditioner maintenance just won’t do the trick.

Refrigerant Leaks: Depends on Severity

Your unit probably drips water while it runs; that’s nothing unusual. But what if it’s leaking refrigerant? Pooling water and ice buildup on the lines indicate a loss of coolant, especially if you’re out completely.

You may only need a repair if fixing a broken line restores your AC system. However, if this problem persists or won’t go away with repairs, you’ll have to replace the unit.

Constant Operation: Usually a Repair Issue

Typically, your unit should turn on and off based on temperature changes; this setup helps save you a lot of money. However, what happens when your unit keeps kicking on repeatedly with little pause? Don’t worry just yet; repairing a few common problems may help out here.

For example, dirty air filters, bad thermostats, clogged coils, restricted ductwork, and low refrigerant can all cause this issue. That said, replacement may be necessary sometimes. Replace your unit if these fixes do nothing to help, or if your contractor notifies you that the size of your unit is the cause of its short cycling.

Unusual Noises: Mostly a Repair Is Needed

Your air conditioning unit ought to run pretty quietly when it’s in good shape, meaning you shouldn’t hear any odd noises like buzzing, rattling, or cranking. If you do hear those noises, something may be wrong with your unit. Fortunately, the cause is usually minor, such as a loose screw or part. Even units with debris buildup might cause a bit of noise. Contact your local HVAC team to diagnose (and fix) the problem.

Frequent Failure: Likely Needs Replacement

If your air conditioning system routinely fails despite routine repairs and maintenance, it may be time to wave the white flag and invest in a replacement. Oftentimes, your AC unit may fail due to age, but it could also be because the unit is either too small or too large and powerful for your space. If you're unsure which air conditioning system is right for you, don't hesitate to reach out to your HVAC contractor for a professional opinion.

Old Age: Get Replacement Now

Most people milk their air conditioner for as long as possible before getting a replacement, which is understandable. At some point, though, you can’t ignore the idea of getting a replacement any longer. Forbes reports that most air conditioners age out between 10 and 15 years, and repairs at this point may simply eat into your budget.

Why? Think of it this way: would you still be fixing a car with 300,000 miles if it was close to failure? Of course not. Think of that 10-15-year threshold in a similar way. After about 10 years, your air conditioning system begins to lose its efficiency and eat into your energy bills even if it still runs.

The best air conditioner maintenance can keep your home safe, minimize long-term system issues, and save you plenty of money. Fortunately, you don't have to sweat your air conditioner maintenance. Our team at Joe East One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning has your back. Call us today, and we’ll set up an inspection to take a look at your unit. With our help, you can rest assured your AC will be running smoothly again.