Air conditioners are a really useful thing. No matter if you have a split-system or ducted AC, if it’s high-quality and well-maintained, it’ll serve you for a long time. Still, that doesn’t mean these units aren’t prone to malfunctions. Even with excellent care, breakdowns can happen anytime and lower the efficiency of your aircon.
Minor periodic faults shouldn’t worry you, as most of them can be solved with ease by hiring HVAC experts. Also, there are some issues you can fix yourself. Check this web source to see how to DIY fix your aircon. Still, for some more complex malfunctions or the sake of safety, it’s better to let the repairs to professionals.
If breakdowns are happening more often and becoming more expensive, maybe it’s time to think about replacing your AC. Many leave this decision until the replacement becomes necessary, that is, when the old AC stops working completely, and no repair can help it. And by that time, you’ve probably spent a lot of money trying to bring your old AC back to life.
So, to avoid high and unnecessary costs, it’s good to understand when AC repairs are profitable, and when they no longer have a purpose. At some point, the time for aircon replacement will come, and you should know when to expect that to bypass unpleasant surprises.
Should You Repair Or Replace Your Old AC Unit?
This question isn’t easy to answer because it depends on many factors. It matters how old the unit is, how you use and maintain it, and what is especially important is the cost of possible repairs. The average life expectancy of aircon is about 10 to 15 years, depending on their quality and upkeep. The older the device, the more frequent and difficult the repairs will certainly be.
ACs are complex units, and many parts within these systems can fail. Some problems are easy to solve, while others require more effort. Some spare parts are cheap and easy to replace, while some can burden your budget a lot. And the more complex the problem, the more its fix will cost you.
Older units will almost certainly require frequent repairs, and at some point, even the best-maintained devices simply won’t be able to do it anymore. That’s when even professionals can’t help, as no AC is indestructible. We’ll point out the fine line between aircon repairs and replacement.
When to Repair Your Aircon
Considering the AC is a significant investment in your home, repairs should be done promptly and as long as they’re cost-effective. Also, regular maintenance is of great importance. It’ll certainly cost you less than repairing most faults; plus, you only need it once a year.
It’s not the same when a problem occurs with a relatively new AC or 10-year-old unit, as well as when it’s a regularly maintained device or a neglected one. Some malfunctions are quite common, easily solvable, and aren’t always a sign that it’s time to replace the air conditioner, especially when they rarely occur.
AC Unit Not Cooling
This is a problem that many homeowners understand too tragically because their air conditioner doesn’t do what it should do – cool the rooms. However, as much as it may seem like the end of the world to you, the reason behind this problem is mostly benign.
It can be a small thing like a clogged filter or a defective thermostat, which are problems you can fix even without professionals. Changing or cleaning the filter is a five-minute task, and checking thermostat settings is a no-brainer. Sometimes, these quick fixes can bring a second life even to older aircons, but only when they’re well-maintained.
Other reasons that can hinder the optimal operation of your aircon are faulty compressors or airflow problems. These are more serious problems you shouldn’t even try to solve on your own. Instead, experienced technicians can save the day. They can perform repairs that improve the efficiency of your device and extend its lifespan.
Unusual Noise
Air conditioners, especially some older models, produce certain sounds while running, like mild humming, but the noise level is tolerable. Modern units feature upgraded motors made to make little or no noise. So, any loud noise, buzzing, knocking, or rattling indicates a problem. It doesn’t always have to be a major breakdown; for example, it’s possible that some part has come loose and just needs to be tightened.
However, if you hear unusual noises all the time, they are getting louder, or you can’t detect where they are coming from, it’s best to call an AC technician. Depending on the type of noise, they can diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and efficiently.
Leaky AC
Problems with leaky ACs can happen due to condensation on the outdoor or indoor unit. If the problem is outside, it’s often caused by a dirty and cracked condenser coil. As for the indoor unit, the problem may be a damaged drain pan or a clogged drain.
Another issue that requires attention is leaky refrigerant, which results from the unit’s wear and tear. Typical ‘symptoms’ of this failure are ice on the refrigerant lines and the unit’s short cycling. AC technicians will fix the problem and top up the refrigerant level so your aircon continues to run smoothly.
When to Replace Your AC
Not all malfunctions are alarming, although some may appear so. However, if you need to call AC technicians frequently and when repair costs become a big burden, consider changing the course of action. Think about AC replacement when the unit is more than ten years old, not energy-efficient, not compatible with environmental standards anymore, or when it simply doesn’t provide the required comfort.
On the following web page, find a helpful guideline on purchasing a new aircon:
https://www.pickr.com.au/buyers-guide/2020/how-to-buy-an-air-conditioner/
Deciding whether to repair or replace your aircon isn’t an easy decision. Buying a new unit or upgrading the system is a costly investment, but when it’s necessary, it can be more cost-effective than quick fixes that can’t help much.
