If your air conditioner breaks down this summer, you’ll have a tough decision on your hands. You could replace your system, which will cost more upfront but save you stress and money on future energy bills, or repair your A/C, even though this could be the start of many more problems. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind before you make a decision.
Check for Small Problems
If there’s only a minor issue that can be easily identified and fixed, it doesn’t make much sense to replace your air 
conditioner. Rule these out first:
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Check fuses: Sometimes a fuse will blow and cause the system to lose power. Simply reset any switches that have tripped.
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Check the blower: If there’s no airflow, make sure the blower is still working by turning it on manually with the “On” or “Fan Only” control on your thermostat. It may also have its own switch.
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Check your thermostat: If your A/C isn’t coming on, check to see if your thermostat is working. Set the temperature to force the A/C to come on and replace your thermostat batteries.
To Repair or Replace
If you still have a problem, now’s the time to consult with an HVAC professional. If there is some other minor problem that you missed, they will be able to identify it quickly. Another possibility is that they will find a major problem and be able to lay out the cost of a repair.
When you’re considering whether it’s worth repairing your A/C, take into account:
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Inconvenience of future breakdowns
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Cost of future repairs
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Expected lifespan
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Energy savings from upgrading to a new unit
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Performance
Your technician can help you make a decision by providing detailed estimates of the cost of a new system. You might be surprised at how much you can save over time by upgrading to a more efficient A/C with the latest technology.
If you need professional assistance to help decide if it’s time to replace the air conditioner in your Twin Cities metro area home, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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