Should I Repair or Replace My Old AC?

You consider yourself a sharp consumer. You work hard for your money, you always have — ever since that first job when you were a teenager.

So when you spend your money, you do research, you get it right!

A sleek, shiny car sits in your driveway. It turned a few heads at the office, but it’s RELIABLE and saves you HUNDREDS on gas— that’s why you really bought it.

When your AC goes belly-up, naturally, you call a pro to get it repaired. Getting a new AC is way too expensive, right?

Wrong.

Since you love to save, here’s a question for you: will you save more money repairing your old unit or upgrading to a brand-new, energy-saving model?

Let’s take some time to consider the advantages and energy-savings of an efficient new system.

Read on to learn about this classic case of short-term vs long-term savings and how we can help you make a decision.

How Old AC can cost YOU

Your AC system probably was top-of-the line when it was installed. Like the clunker your sleek, new car replaced, air conditioning systems don’t become more reliable or efficient as they age.

If you’re burdened with an old AC, here are three places you might be getting robbed.

Cost of Frequent Repair

Your first repair or your fifth?

Although One-Hour Air gives you the most service for your buck, we aren’t free. If your AC needs work often, you’re going to be spending a pretty penny on repair. You would have been better off allocating that money toward your new system.

Just like with your old clunker, one repair often leads to another. You and your family are going to end up spending summer days baking in the heat, and you’ll be losing money too. Ouch.

Duct Efficiency

If your AC unit is old and in poor condition, the actual ducts that transport the air are probably loosely-sealed or beaten up.

Inefficient ducts hike up the energy bill for good systems. However, when you pair inefficient ducts with an old, inefficient system, it rips you off so badly it should qualify as grand theft.

Regardless of whether you choose to replace the whole AC system, looking into your air ducts is crucial if you care about saving money.

Energy Efficiency

This is the number one area where a new AC can save you money – every month, on every bill.

The Season Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a measure of your air conditioning system’s efficiency. To equate it to cars, the SEER rating is similar to the MPG rating. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient your system—and the more money you’ll save.

Production of AC systems with a SEER rating under 13 was ended by law in 2006. If you purchased your AC system before that benchmark year, your system is probably outdated and wasteful.

Average old AC units have a SEER rating of 8 or 10. Compare that to most efficient AC systems produced today, which have a ranking up to 26. Think about those savings — that deserves your attention.

You can find your AC’s SEER rating printed on a sticker on the side of the main unit—unless your system is so old that the sticker peeled off!

Financing

You know you’ll save big on repair costs and you’re excited to save even bigger on your monthly energy bill!

There’s just one problem…

You didn’t exactly have a new AC system budgeted for this year.

We got you covered…

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Outer Banks offers a variety of low interest financing options. If you decide that upgrading your AC system is the right choice for your family, we want you to know that you CAN afford it.

Decisions, Decisions

Still not sure what to do?

Don’t worry. This blog is only the first step.

Bringing out a knowledgeable, no-pressure One-Hour-Air technician for an inspection and conversation is your next one.

Why?

Because our technicians are AC experts. They have seen more ACs than anyone else. After taking a look at your system, they can make a personalized recommendation.

Also, if your system is on the fritz and you choose the repair option, our One-Hour Air technician can provide your AC on-the-spot TLC.

Conclusion

Just like with the new car in the driveway, your AC system can save you money long term—on repair costs and on energy expenditures.

Your new AC might not drop-jaws at work, but your family will appreciate the reliable cold air.

Deciding whether to repair your old system or replace it is a huge decision. Increasingly, we are recommending homeowners to replace their AC with brand-new energy efficient systems.

However, no matter which option you choose One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Outer Banks has your back.