If you’ve ever had to deal with a hot Louisiana summer, you know the importance of having a properly working AC system. A unit that can improve your home comfort while providing energy savings is more than a luxury; it’s a necessity. So when your air conditioning system starts showing signs of losing a bit of its luster, you’re right to be worried. Fortunately, those same signs your AC is in trouble are great indicators for deciding whether to repair or replace the unit.

When Repairs Are Sufficient

Knowing when an AC repair is good enough for your unit can be tough. The last thing any homeowner wants is to think they’ve fixed their unit only to find out that there was a deeper-rooted problem. A good air conditioning repair service can help homeowners identify when their unit’s issues only require a few parts to fix, but it’s also good to keep in mind a few of these factors.

Your AC Is Young

Most of the time, an AC unit that isn’t old will only be problematic due to broken or damaged parts or some other cause that can be easily repaired by a professional. Most HVAC professionals will recommend repairs to important components if your unit is under ten years old, especially if your issues are minor leaks or damages. In addition, younger cooling systems are probably efficient enough to provide energy savings that put money back in your pockets.

You Plan on Moving Soon

If you’re considering a new home, a replacement HVAC system isn’t worth it. Even if you have an older system, it’s worth holding onto the unit and repairing the issues that need to be fixed — unless you have a catastrophic failure. A potential buyer might find a problem with an older unit, but it might be more cost-effective to repair the existing system.

Loud Noises From the Unit

Is your AC unit screaming at you as it operates? While it does seem scary, loud noises can simply come from a loose belt or other parts that are out of place and scraping one another. These issues only require a quick inspection and repair, but acting quickly is imperative to avoid damages that might lead to a more costly replacement.

Your AC Is Blowing Warm Air

If your AC is blowing warm air, it might signify a few different problems. Sometimes it can be a compressor issue, but most compressors last about the same lifespan as your AC. More than likely, an AC blowing warm air might mean your air ducts are leaking cool air, especially if it’s accompanied by low airflow from your vents. Calling an HVAC technician to repair an opening in your air ducts is likely all you’ll need.

When Replacements Are Needed

Sometimes, repairs aren’t sufficient enough for your AC. Homeowners don’t want to find out they’ve been spending their hard-earned money on an AC unit that was going bad in the first place. Replacements are the best way to ensure that you get the most effective AC unit for your home, and you can save a bunch on energy costs that help offset the cost of your replacement. These signs can help homeowners determine when they should lean more to the replacement side of the equation.

Your Unit Is Old

Let’s face it, living with an old AC unit probably isn’t the best use of your time, especially if it isn’t doing its job effectively. Air conditioning units last about 10 to 15 years, and you can certainly extend the life of your unit with adequate maintenance. But odds are your older unit will have a lower seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). The lower your SEER rating, the less energy efficient your system is. If you really want to take on the hot Louisiana sun, consider upgrading to a more powerful and efficient AC.

Your AC Repair Problems Are Adding Up

One or two repairs won’t make or break your AC unit, but as the repairs add up, so do your costs. If you constantly have to fix broken parts, it might be better to replace the unit. A good way to make things easier is to follow the “5,000 rule:” Multiply the age of your unit by the cost of your repairs. If the total amount is more than 5,000, it’s probably time for a replacement.

Your Energy Bills Have Skyrocketed

Have you taken a peek at your energy costs lately? With the increased prevalence of auto-pay, homeowners often forget that their energy bills can rise monthly. If you aren’t paying attention, you can be paying way more than you expect at the end of the year. If your energy bills are starting to become a burden, it might be because of an AC struggling to operate at peak capacity.

It’s Becoming Harder to Keep Your Home Cool

You know the capabilities of your AC unit, and if it’s becoming a bit harder for it to hold up to your daily demands, it might be time for a replacement. Your unit might be improperly sized for your home, or you might be witnessing your unit age right in front of your eyes. In either case, a new unit is probably the way to go. After ten years, most homeowners will observe that their unit is finding it a bit harder to do its job, and adequate maintenance is the only way to be sure that your unit is working properly.

At King Mechanical, We Make AC Problems a Thing of the Past

Repairing vs. replacing your AC is difficult to determine, which is why you should have a professional HVAC contractor in your back pocket. With help from the pros at King Mechanical, Louisiana homeowners don’t have to tackle the intense summer heat alone. We provide AC services in and around Lake Charles, LA, focusing on delivering exemplary service that gets the job done. Whether you need a new AC or a few repairs for your old one, contact King Mechanical today!