Our Austin heating and cooling professionals understand that homeowners want to save money; all of us do! That said, there comes a point in time when you wonder whether you should keep paying to have your HVAC unit repaired, or if it would make more sense to replace it. Of course a $200 repair bill sounds better than a $3,500 replacement, but how much are you really spending over time? The cost really goes further than the repair bill, a fact we will explain below. If you’re uncertain about whether it’s best to repair or replace, keep reading!
How can it cost you more to keep repairing your HVAC system? In addition to the actual repair costs, you may be paying a lot more on monthly utility bills. This is especially true if your cooling system is 10 or 15 years old, as equipment becomes less efficient after years of wear and tear. This is true with any type of equipment. If your system is getting old and you’re wondering why your monthly energy costs seem way out of line compared to your friends’ and neighbors’, it makes more sense to upgrade to a new HVAC unit.
What’s the average lifespan of an HVAC unit? Typically about 15 years, however Energy Star recommends upgrading to a new unit for those with central air conditioning systems that are 10 years old or older. Why? Technology advances all the time, and newer systems are far more energy efficient. This is important not only for your comfort and how much you spend to cool and heat your home, but for the planet.
Does your unit require R-22 refrigerant? While this type of refrigerant, commonly referred to as Freon, is being phased out, many systems still use it. If your AC unit develops a leak and you’re having to have the refrigerant topped off every year, the compressor will eventually go out. Combine the repair costs each year (usually hundreds of dollars) with the cost of a new compressor, and you could buy a new unit.\
A new HVAC unit usually runs anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000 or so, but there are factors that impact cost including the size of your home, whether ductwork will have to be installed, type of system, etc. Energy Star estimates that homeowner who invest in new, energy-efficient units save 20% on cooling and heating costs. For instance, if you spend $130 per month on average on energy costs, you could save about $25 monthly by upgrading your system. That’s a substantial savings!
Is it time to replace your HVAC system, or would it make better sense to continue paying for repairs? There are many factors to consider, but our Austin HVAC experts are here to help. Give Schneider Mechanical a call today!
