Is Your AC on Its Last Leg? How to Know When to Choose AC Replacement

A functioning air conditioner means the difference between a comfortable space to come home to and an insufferably hot and humid box without fresh air. Since the air conditioner will be needed for the next few months, keeping the AC functioning properly is extremely important. If your air conditioning system is struggling, it may be time to determine whether a repair is needed or if you need to consider an AC replacement.

Common AC Repairs

• Thermostat problems. The thermostat is the control, the ON/OFF switch, for the air conditioner. If the air conditioner does not respond to the thermostat or if the settings on the thermostat face do not reflect the reality in the home, it may need to be repaired. The thermostat is powered by common batteries; the batteries may need to be replaced.
• Clogged air filter. Air filters are very efficient at cleaning the air; every time the blower motor begins to move air, the filter removes dust, dander, and various other airborne contaminants. When the filter becomes coated with contaminants, not enough air can pass through the filter. This means that the air conditioner cannot cool the home properly.
• Minor refrigerant leaks. The refrigerant gas in an air conditioning system is always under pressure, sometimes at 40 psi and sometimes at nearly 400 psi. The gas must be kept in a rather narrow range of pressures. If ANY gas leaks away, the pressure in the tubing network will indicate that in a simple pressure test. Recharging the gas can be a simple repair. (More on this later.)
• Electrical components. The whole air conditioning system is controlled electronically. Normal use creates wear on electrical parts, including control mechanisms, such as capacitors. It is not unusual to replace a capacitor during the middle to late years of an air conditioner’s useful life.

Major Concerns That Can Result in an AC Replacement

On the other hand, some repairs are quite expensive and will lead to the decision that an air conditioner cannot or should not be repaired, but replaced. An expensive repair, PLUS if any of the following happen together, it is usually best to replace the system.

• If the system is old AND needs an expensive repair, it indicates the system needs to be replaced. There is plenty of evidence that the expected normal useful span for air conditioners ranges between 15 and 20 years. If your system is “on borrowed time” and needs expensive repairs, it is often a better decision to replace than repair.
• If the repair approaches 50% of the replacement cost, AC replacement is a better financial decision than making the expensive repairs.
• A major refrigerant leak is a big deal. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is constantly seeking more environmentally friendly refrigerants. As a new refrigerant is discovered, the manufacture of the old refrigerant is banned. That means the waning supply of the old refrigerant rises exponentially, meaning that recharging an old air conditioner system becomes extremely expensive. If the system is old and the refrigerant needs to be recharged, it can push the cost of repair over 50% of the AC replacement cost.
• If an air conditioner is weakened and cannot cool the home’s space properly, and repairs do not fix the problem, you need to consider an AC replacement.

Call Doctor Cool for Your AC Replacement

As an award-winning, BBB-accredited AC Replacement League City and AC repair and maintenance contractor serving the League City and surrounding area, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service to our customers. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-338-8751 or email Doctor Cool.