Air Conditioners typically last around 15-20 years, depending on how it is used. However, as time goes on, manufacturing technology is constantly improving. So when you are debating between replacing or repairing your air conditioner, there is lots to consider. Alliance Energy Source has years of experience in providing HVAC services to the GTA and Toronto Area. Listed below are some factors to take into account when making a decision on repair or replacement.

Age
Similar to most electronic devices, air conditioners lose their efficiency over time. After 10 years, your air conditioning unit will work with much less efficiency than its original state. This results in increased energy bills. If your unit is calling for frequent repairs, then it might be better to get a replacement. 

Efficiency
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the ratio between the cooling that is generated and the energy that your unit consumes. SEER is used to rate air conditioning units. A 10 SEER system is 30% less efficient than a 13 SEER system and subsequently 60% less efficient than a 16 SEER system. By regulation, all air conditioning models produced after 2009 are required to be at least 13 SEER, meaning they will be less costly on energy than the older models before it. Replacing an old model could save lots of money in the long run.

Refrigerant
Certain air conditioners that require R-22 refrigerant can be costly with repairs since the model has become so scarce. Additionally, after 2020 it has become illegal to produce R-22 refrigerants. MEaning if any air conditioning unit that runs on R-22 refrigerant develops coolant leaking issues, they must be replaced with a newer model. New models use R-441 refrigerant which has been reported to be more eco-friendly. 

Expense
Cost is usually the deciding factor between replacing or repairing your air conditioning unit. However a flat comparison of these rates are not very helpful, so HVAC teams have developed the 5000 rule. This rule states that if the cost of repairs multiplied by the age of the unit is under 5000 dollars, then repair is the smarter option. For example a unit that is 7 years old will cost 400 dollars for repair. Repairing the unit is the better option in this case since the product of 7 and 400 is 2800. 

Usage
Replacing an air conditioning unit costs much more than a repair, but this also depends on the duration the unit is required for use. A new air conditioning unit will run for around 10 years without much need for repairs. If looking to make full use of those 10 years, a new air conditioning unit could be the better choice. If the unit is required for a shorter time period and the repair costs fall under the 500 rule, then repairs fit the bill better. 

Tangential problems, such as leaking air ducts or poor insulation, can also affect the performance of your air conditioner. Make sure to hire a HVAC technician to potentially identify and fix these issues before looking at repairing or replacing your air conditioner.  

Hiring an experienced and reliable HVAC company means smooth installation and repair. Alliance Energy Source provides services for air conditioning repair, air conditioning replacement and installation, water heaters, air quality. Contact us for emergency services and all your HVAC needs.