Why Replace Your Aircon Rather Than Repair It

Why Replace Your Aircon Rather Than Repair It

Much like your car or a lawn mower, air conditioners come to a stage when the repair costs outweigh the benefits of replacing them. Air conditioning technology has come leaps and bounds in the last 10-15 years with advancements in efficiency saving you up to $200 more in operating costs over older systems. But how do you know it’s time to replace your air conditioner?

1. Age and Efficiency

   As stated in the introduction there are major savings to be found in a new air conditioner it's like comparing a new Toyota Camry's efficiency to that of one 10-15 years ago. A good sign that your air conditioner has run its course is when you start to see drastically higher energy bills than what you expected when running your air conditioner. This can be due to your wear and tear and inferior technology in your aircon. Research has found that a 10-15-year-old aircon can cost an extra $57-$166 a year than a new air conditioner. An old air conditioner is also at a higher risk of breaking mid-summer when you need it most leaving you with no reprise from the heat in the grips of summer.

2. Refrigerant Leaks

   Some signs of a refrigerant leak are:

   • Puddles and excessive amounts of condensation from the unit
   • Low Airflow
   • Taking a long time to cool down or heat up

   If your aircon is displaying any of these symptoms it is time to contact an air conditioner tech as refrigerants should only be worked on by an ARC-accredited technician as they pose serious health and environmental risks when not handled properly. A refrigerant leak depending on where it is located or the effect it has had on the unit can total the unit leading to it needing to be replaced due to high repair costs.

3. Excessive repairs

   If you have gotten to a first-name basis with your air conditioner repairer it may be time to replace it. The cost and inconvenience of constant repairs can get out of hand quickly and can become more expensive than replacing the unit to start with. Not only does a new unit have a greatly reduced chance of breaking they are also most likely covered by a 5-7 year parts and repair warranty ensuring if something does break it's not out of your pocket.

4. Air conditioner not turning or constantly tripping

   It goes without saying your air conditioner not turning on is not good. This could be due to a myriad of problems such as a shorting circuit or an old compressor. This may in some cases mean you need a new air conditioner altogether.

5. Strange noises or smells

   • Mouldy or foul smells: this could be due to dirty filters which can be easily cleaned by an aircon technician however if these smells don't linger after the unit has been cleaned there may be something more malicious at play and your system may need to be replaced.
   • Louder than usual or screeching grating sounds: if your system is sounding louder than usual it could be due to the fan coming loose or dirt clogging up the system. Those faults can be repaired with ease. However, if the system is making a screeching or grinding sound can mean that something much more major has occurred within your system and will in most cases require a replacement of the unit due to irreparable damage to the system.

In the end, repairs can start to become costly and get out of hand quickly as your system gets old and replacing your system can save headaches in future. If you need an air conditioner repair or advice on whether it's time to replace your air conditioner All Purpose Air Conditioning is your go-to team in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Logan, Redland and Moreton Bay Areas.