Is it Better to Repair or Replace My HVAC Unit?

Air conditioners are must-haves in Florida, but nobody wants to take on the expense of replacing their home or business’s HVAC unit unless they absolutely have to. Fortunately, with routine maintenance, you can prolong the life of your air conditioner by several years and help it continue to operate at peak performance for that entire time.

That said, even with top-notch maintenance, you will still need to make repairs from time to time. Depending on the cost of the repair, you may be asking yourself if it’s still worth the repair or if you should consider replacing your HVAC system.

To Repair or Replace, That is the Question

There are a couple of factors that should weigh heavily on your decision to repair or replace your air conditioner. Two big ones are the age of your current system and the cost of the repair.

• Age - Not surprisingly, as your unit gets older, it will start to degrade. Even smart repairs won’t make it last forever, and at a certain point, it will wear out completely. Because of this eventuality, the older your system gets, the more sense a replacement starts to make.

While outside of Florida it’s common to see HVAC units last 15-20 years with proper maintenance, in Florida, 8-14 years is more realistic. Keeping the age of your system in mind as you approach a repair or replacement is one important factor to consider. Another is cost.

• Cost - Even minor repairs can start to add up. If you find yourself facing a more expensive repair, it might give you pause. A very general rule of thumb to consider: if the cost of repairs is less than half of the replacement cost, it may be worth doing the repair to prolong your system’s life. On the flip side, if the repair costs more than half of what a new system would cost, well, that changes the situation…

The choice to repair or replace your Clearwater home’s HVAC system is a personal one but keeping in mind the unit's age and cost of repair can help you make an informed decision.

Our team at Mario’s Air Conditioning and Heating can also offer unbiased advice as you consider your options. Call us today at 727-843-9598. If you do choose to replace your system, we offer financing options on approved credit for those who qualify. Contact us to learn more.