Now that hot weather is here in the Carolinas, it’s time to ensure that your air conditioning system is working optimally for the entire season. It’s a miserable experience to deal with broken A/C in the height of the summer swelter. A full replacement can be an expensive proposition, of course. So when there are issues, it’s important to consider: will repairs be enough, or is it time for a replacement? MTB Mechanical shares a few tips for determining the difference.
When to REPAIR
Electrical issues: Perhaps your A/C unit isn’t responding to thermostat controls. Or maybe you’re hearing a buzzing sound from around the unit. The issue may be electrical, and in many cases, there can be relatively inexpensive fixes and repairs.
Frozen coil: When the cool air that should be circulating through your duct work builds up inside the air handler of your cooling unit, this can result in a frozen coil. The culprit is often a dirty air filter. Installing a clean air filter may be enough to solve the problem and is a quick, easy fix that you can do yourself. Changing your air filters on a regular basis is important. Need help remembering? Sign up for MTB’s free filter email reminders.
Low refrigerant: If your A/C unit struggles to keep your home properly cooled, the issue may be low refrigerant, or the refrigerant may be leaking. If the system is leaking, it will require additional repair.
When to REPLACE
Your system is aging: Air conditioning units last, on average, between 10 and 15 years. If your system falls within this range, it may be time for a full replacement. The good news? With today’s technology, a new system is more energy-efficient, meaning that it’s less expensive to operate and comes with a new warranty.
Frequent repairs: One repair at a time may not seem expensive. But if repairs are becoming more and more frequent, it may make sense to invest in a new A/C unit. As your system ages, the parts can become more difficult – and more expensive – to find and replace. With a new system, you have more peace of mind and can avoid costly repairs.
High power bills: If you compare power bills over time and see a consistent upward trend year over year, it could be due to the inefficiency of your A/C system. A new unit will help you avoid this sticker shock, and you can be confident that your cooling system is as energy-efficient as possible for many years to come.
Still have questions about repairing or replacing? Contact the professionals at MTB. For more than 45 years, we’ve been serving homeowners in the Charlotte region. Whether your A/C has a few more years left in it, or you’re considering a brand-new system, we’re here for you with honest, expert advice. Give us a call at (704) 459-4066 or schedule an appointment online.
