Should You Repair or Replace Your AC Before Summer?

If your air conditioner is getting old or didn’t work well the last season, you may be wondering whether you should replace it before summer arrives in full force. The Charleston, SC, area gets too hot and humid to go without air conditioning. Even a few days without AC can be dangerous, and it’s definitely uncomfortable. We recommend replacing your air conditioner before it breaks beyond repair. Here are some ways to tell that it’s time to replace your AC system.

Your Energy Bills Were Expensive Last Summer

If you had high energy bills last summer despite an AC tune-up before the season began, you’re probably in need of a new AC. When an air conditioner gets old, it costs more money to operate because of the natural loss of efficiency. Tune-ups can only do so much for an old air conditioner. A central air conditioning system or heat pump lasts 10–15 years in the Charleston area if it receives annual maintenance from a professional HVAC company.

The AC Didn’t Keep Your Family Comfortable Last Summer

Another problem that arises with old air conditioners is decreased indoor comfort. It may not remove humidity as effectively as before. The AC may also fail to adequately cool your home. Assuming the ducts don’t have leaks and your AC doesn’t need any repairs, you should replace it before summer hits. Trying to operate a worn-down air conditioner will only cause you more stress. It could stop cooling your home entirely, and you would have to wait for an AC company to replace the AC.

Needed Repairs Are Too Expensive

As a rule of thumb, if the cost of repairing your AC is more than half the cost of replacing it, you should strongly consider a new air conditioner. This is the most cost-effective decision you could make. We provide free estimates in the Charleston area to help you compare the costs and make the best decision for your household. You can trust us for honest answers. We have NATE-certified technicians, and we’re a member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. We also give you a written 100% customer satisfaction guarantee on your AC installation.

You should replace your air conditioner or heat pump before summer if it’s between 10 and 15 years old and isn’t cooling sufficiently. Otherwise, schedule an air conditioner tune-up to ensure your system operates as efficiently as possible through the hot season. During a tune-up, we’ll let you know of any repairs you need. Contact us today to schedule an estimate or for advice on whether to repair or replace your AC before summer.

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