For many homeowners, their HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system is the largest single financial investment they’ll make inside their homes. And in South Central Georgia, where the temperatures are in the 80s or higher at least half of the year, an air conditioner is indispensable. Are you faced with a decision of whether to repair or replace your air conditioner? You may be wondering whether you need to replace individual components that malfunction or just go ahead and upgrade to a new system. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has some great advice to offer on whether you should repair or replace your air conditioner. Its Energy Star initiative recommends several points to consider as you make the choice, including the following:

• Obsolete equipment. HVAC systems that were installed in the 1970s can be 40 percent less efficient than their modern counterparts. Even equipment that’s only 10 years old can be costing you 20 percent more to run than a high-efficiency alternative.
• Frequent repairs. If your air conditioner needs frequent repairs, and your energy bills continue to increase, or if some of the rooms in your home are either too hot or too cold, this could suggest improper equipment operation. A new system could well be your best financial alternative.
• Leaking refrigerant. The coolant in your air-conditioning unit is not supposed to be a consumable item. If you have to top it up, that indicates a leak somewhere in the system. Call a professional HVAC contractor immediately, as leaking refrigerant can pose a hazard.
• Inadequate system components. Inadequate insulation around your ductwork, breaks in the joint seals, and crushed ducts all can contribute to poor system performance. Ductwork failure also can distribute dust and other airborne contaminants around your home, such as particles from a loft space flowing into your kitchen area. Additionally, old-fashioned thermostats, which aren’t programmable, waste energy. This translates directly into cash wasted on your utility bills.

It could be that replacing outdated equipment, even it it’s well-maintained and working well, will save you money in the long run. Serving the entire Peachtree City area, the technicians at Powers Heating & Air can advise on all aspects of servicing, upgrading and replacing your equipment. Use our Contact Us page to schedule a consultation, and we’ll help him decide whether you should repair or replace your air conditioner.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about whether to repair or replace your air conditioner and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Powers Heating & Air serves Peachtree, GA and the surrounding areas.  Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!