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When To Repair and When to Replace Your Air Conditioner? | Urban Energy
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When To Repair and When to Replace Your Air Conditioner?

Air conditioning units are essential in maintaining comfortable temperatures all year round. While sometimes regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your system, understanding the different signs of damage can help you make an informed decision on whether a repair or replacement is beneficial. 

How To Evaluate The Condition of Your Air Conditioning System?

Evaluating your system involves assessing key factors such as its:

  • Age 
  • Performance Efficiency 
  • Potential cost of repairs or a replacement 

It's important to consider these as sometimes minor problems can be repaired easily at a low cost, whereas other times a replacement may be a more efficient and economical choice in the long run. Here are some things you should be considering: 

How Old Is Your Air Conditioner?

One of the first factors to consider is the age of your air conditioning unit. Air conditioners typically last between 10 and 15 years. If your unit is older than 10 years, it may be time to evaluate its performance. Over time, air conditioning units naturally lose efficiency, and older models are not as effective as newer models which can make repairs more expensive than to simply replace it. 

Has Your Electricity Bills Unusually Increased?

If you’ve noticed a sudden rise in your electricity bills without an increase in usage, your air conditioner could be faulty. Damaged parts can cause your aircon unit to lose efficiency over time, therefore using more energy and increasing your electricity bills. These issues can often be repaired, but the increased energy bills may make replacement a more economical choice. Newer air conditioners also have a higher energy efficiency rating meaning they can provide optimal conditions with less power consumption.

Does Your Air Conditioning Unit Still Perform Effectively?

Your air conditioning system should be able to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures all -year-around. If you’re finding your aircon unit is no longer cooling or heating your home effectively, it could be a sign of underlying issues. Even with regular maintenance, components of your system can degrade or fail over time.

What is The Cost of a Repair Vs a Replacement?

When deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioning unit, the cost is one of the most significant factors to consider. Repairing your air conditioner can often be more affordable in the short term, but it's essential to evaluate the long-term costs. If your unit requires a costly repair, the repair may not be worth it. 

The general rule for these systems is that if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the price of a new system and it's reaching the end of its lifespan, it may be time to invest in an air conditioner replacement. On the other hand, if your system is still new and the repair cost is minimal, repairing it may be a better option, as long as you’re not facing recurring problems.

 

 

What Are The Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repairing? 

If your air conditioner is malfunctioning, it doesn’t always mean it needs to be replaced. Here are some signs that you may just need an air conditioning repair.

  • Your AC is blowing warm air instead of cool air.
  • The air flow from the vents is significantly weaker than usual.
  • Loud or unusual sounds like grinding, rattling, or buzzing.
  • Musty or burning smells when the AC is running.
  • The unit turns on and off repeatedly without reaching the desired temperature.
  • Excess moisture around the AC or signs of leaks.
  • The air feels unusually damp despite running the AC.

If you notice one or more of these signs, it's usually a good idea to have a professional technician inspect your unit. Repairs are typically the best choice when the issue is isolated to a specific component, like a fan, filter, or leak.

What Are The Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Replacing?

When an air conditioner shows these signs, it might be beyond repair, or fixing it may not be worth the cost:

  • The system is over 10–15 years old, and repairs are becoming frequent.
  • Repairing the AC costs more than half the price of a new one.
  • It no longer cools effectively and needs constant repairs to function.
  • Persistent loud and unusual noises even after repair attempts.
  • The ac unit constantly breaks down, leading to multiple repairs over the years.

The air conditioner is consuming more energy than it used to, and repairs don’t improve efficiency.

Is Your Air Conditioner Still Under Warranty?

When your air conditioner is still under warranty, it can influence your decision to repair or replace it. Warranty may make a simple repair a more cost-effective option as it may cover the costs of parts or someone coming out to check it. However, if your warranty is expiring and you’re experiencing frequent repairs it may be worth replacing. A professional can help you understand the specific terms of your warranty and help you make a decision. 

Should I Repair Or Replace My Air Conditioner?

Deciding whether to repair or replace air conditioning units can be a hassle on your own, which is why its a good idea to seek professional advice from a certified electrician who can assess the situation and provide recommendations based on your specific needs. 

The Advantages of Repairing: 

  • Cost effective: repairs under warranty may be free of at a lower cost, saving you money
  • Quick solution: common repairs usually take less time, allowing your AC to be back running faster
  • Extended lifespan: a repair can extend the life of your ac unit by several years 

The Advantages of Replacement:

  • Improved energy efficiency: Newer models are often more energy-efficient, reducing future costs.
  • Less frequent breakdowns: A new unit is less likely to need constant repairs, saving you on maintenance costs over time.
  • Warranty benefits: A new AC usually comes with a warranty, offering peace of mind for several years.
  • Better performance: Newer models will provide improved system performance, helping you stay more comfortable during the year.

If you’re still undecided, the professionals can help. Urban Energy are local electricians servicing South Brisbane areas who specialise in both air conditioning repairs and replacements. To speak to one of our electricians, call us on 0485 814 490 or enquire on our website.