We are coming up on the cooling season and are starting to hear the question we always hear this time of year: Should I repair my air conditioner or replace it? Climate Control Company can’t answer the question for you. What we can do is talk you through the options so you can clearly understand the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.
Split systems
In most Glenwood Springs, CO homes and the entire Western Slope, we are talking about split HVAC systems, which means:
- An indoor unit—in most cases is a furnace or an air handler
- The outdoor unit is either an air conditioner or a heat pump (can both heat and cool)
- A thermostat to control the temperature setting
- An indoor air quality component (filtration and/or humidity control)
- Ductwork to move conditioned air to rooms inside the home
New technology increases efficiency
If you decide to do an HVAC replacement, you will almost certainly increase your cooling efficiency. Virtually every year manufacturers make technological advances resulting in lower utility bills. How much savings you realize depends on how old your current system is. If it’s 10 years old or older, a savings of 30% is certainly realistic.
Repair costs
The cost of a single repair, even a major one, can look attractive when compared to the upfront cost of a replacement. However, it’s a mistake to focus on the cost of a single repair. You also need to factor in the overall age of the unit, how long the repair is expected to last, and the likelihood more components will fail in the future. A separate factor is if the A/C uses R-22 refrigerant that is being phased out because of environmental concerns. It’s becoming more and more expensive to repair those units.
Financing options
Replacing your old air conditioner is a large financial investment, but it doesn’t have to destroy your household budget or empty your savings account. Climate Control, often in cooperation with our suppliers, consistently offers financing specials, sometimes with 0% interest, during the year. You may be surprised to learn how affordable the monthly payments can be.
Our business philosophy is simple. It’s not our job to “sell” you. It is our job to give you our professional opinion based on years of training and experience. If we believe the best choice is an HVAC replacement, that’s what we will tell you. If you opt to repair your current system, we will explain the expense and the possible risks involved. We will be happy to do whatever you decide. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great information.
