One of the most vital and expensive to replace components of your HVAC system is its compressor. It’s the key part circulating refrigerant throughout the system helping to keep your home cool. What do you do if it breaks down? Should you have the compressor replaced? Or will it be more economical to replace the entire air conditioner? Deciding when to repair or replace can be a challenging decision for homeowners to make. The correct choice depends on your situation. Here are some considerations to discuss with your local HVAC professionals at Cool Blew.
Would the AC compressor be covered under warranty terms and conditions?
If the compressor is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, it can be replaced with a new compressor. You’ll only have to pay labor costs unless the AC unit is relatively new and the labor warranty from the installing contractor is still active. Your local expert technicians from Cool Blew will be able to determine if the compressor is still covered.
How Old Is Your Air Conditioner?
Generally, the lifespan of an air conditioner is 10 to 15 years. By paying close attention to the performance of your AC unit, you’ll be able to make the right decision by answering these questions:
- Is your AC unit more than 10 years old?
- Has your AC unit been breaking down more frequently or making unusual noises?
- Have your monthly utility bills been rapidly increasing for unknown reasons?
- Has your AC suffered from a refrigerant leak in the past few years?
Usually, the cost of a new AC unit will be less than what you’ll spend on frequent repairs on an aging, less efficient unit. A new unit will have vastly improved energy efficiency, a new long-term warranty, and possibly rebates from the manufacturer, installation company, and your local utility company.
Should the entire outdoor condensing unit be replaced?
You should only select this option if the AC compressor is still under warranty, the inside AC unit was replaced recently, and there are no major problems with the current unit. The inside unit (evaporator unit) and the outdoor unit (condensing unit) are matched units. Replacing with a newer mismatched unit may cause premature failure of the older unit due to better functionality and efficiency of the newer outside unit.
Considering whether to replace the AC compressor or a complete AC replacement? Don’t wait another day. Call your Valley of the Sun experts today at Cool Blew at 623-872-2900 for a free quote.
