Repair or Replace? You Decide.
It’s a common dilemma in any home when televisions, computers, and other household appliances begin to show their age. Should you repair or replace them? The same goes for your heating and cooling system. When it breaks down, it’s tempting to go the quick route and pay for repairs to get it up and running again. That quick-fix may seem the least expensive route now, but it may not offer the most value in the long haul.
Determining when it’s time to call for repairs or replace equipment can be difficult. There’s a lot to consider: the system’s age, overall condition, efficiency, and energy ad repair costs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program offers a few tips to help you determine if you should junk your equipment or try to squeeze more life out of it with repairs. If two or more items apply to you in the ‘Replace’ column, then it’s probably time to consider making the investment of an ENERGY STAR qualified replacement system.
Should you repair or replace your air conditioner, heat pump, furnace, or boiler?
| Continue to repair if: | Time to replace if: |
| Under 10 years old (under 15 years for a furnace or boiler) | Over 10 years old (over 15 years for a furnace or boiler) |
| Good service record | Had had repeated problems |
| Major repairs made recently; only minor repair needed | Extensive or costly repairs needed |
| On/off cycling is not excessive | On/off cycling seems excessive |
| Performing up to expectations | Not performing up to expectations |
| Moving soon | Staying in the home for a long period |
Sometime, it’ snot so clear that your system is in trouble. Noisy cooling equipment, unevenly heated or cooled rooms, excessive dust, or frequent cycling on an off – all of these may indicate a inefficient heating and cooling system. In this case, you’d want to call a professional contractor to review the value and comfort features of new ENERGY START qualified equipment.
Repair or replace. It’s your decision. One thing is for certain: if you decide to make a change in your heating and cooling system, make sure a professional contractor does the complete job. Only proper installation of your equipment will ensure that it operates at peak efficiency and delivers all the benefits you expect and paid for.