Your home comfort system is an integral part of your home, especially in the scorching Texas heat. If you’re wondering “should I repair or replace my AC unit?” you’ve come to the right place for answers. At Lyons Air & Heat, our experienced team of HVAC technicians can help with everything from proper maintenance of your current system to a full cooling system replacement. We also offer free quotes so you can make an informed decision about the best plan for your home.
With decades of experience in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, you can trust the experienced technicians at Lyons Air & Heat to get the job done. Schedule an appointment with a licensed and insured HVAC technician from Lyons by calling (214) 432-2859 today!
How long do AC units last?
At Lyons Air & Heat, our HVAC technicians have seen air conditioners in all stages of life. Whether your system is recently installed or older than you are, we can help figure out the best repair or replacement plan for your home.
AC repair and replacement can sometimes be tricky. It’s less about your AC unit kicking the bucket and more about which part has finally given up completely. Your HVAC system is full of moving parts with different points of failure. Regular maintenance can lengthen the time between repairs for your system and even extend your system’s life. An air conditioner has three key parts: the compressor, the evaporator, and the condenser. Depending on what part of your central air conditioner system fails can determine if a replacement of the system is more cost-effective than a repair.
Compressor Lifespan
Cooling systems use compressors to pump refrigerant to and from the evaporator and condenser. Compressors have a lifespan from 12 to 20+ years. These systems usually fail after an electrical failure or an internal lock. Compressors are the most expensive part of an HVAC system to replace since they can’t be repaired easily.
Evaporator Lifespan
Evaporators are also known as indoor coils. They work by absorbing heat from inside the house and sending it to the compressor. This part of the system can develop refrigerant leaks. They usually last between 15 and 20 years with no issues.
Condenser Lifespan
The condenser, or outdoor coil, works with the fan to dissipate heat outside of your home. Condensers have a low failure rate, but this is still a major component that can cost a pretty penny to replace. Both the indoor and outdoor coils can be a major expense to replace and may not be worth it if your system isn’t meeting all your needs.
When should you replace your AC unit?
A few different factors go into determining whether you should repair or replace your system. Air conditioner efficiency, the unit’s age, safety, and repair frequency are all factors in the decision. If you are struggling with this decision, call the experienced technicians at Lyons Air & Heat. We can go over all the factors that impact this decision and guide you through whichever process you choose.
Lifespan
Most AC units last anywhere from 10-15 years. This is simply an average lifespan and systems commonly have lives shorter or longer than this, depending on many other factors. If you prefer to keep your home at a chilly 68° all year, your AC may give up on you sooner than you’d like. On the other hand, if you spend summers with family in other states, your AC unit isn’t working nearly as hard at keeping your home cool. The lifespan of your system is an aspect to consider when trying to determine if you should repair or replace your unit, but it’s far from the deciding factor.
Another factor to consider is the availability of parts for older systems. Older systems past the average lifespan may have parts that are harder to replace if the manufacturer discontinues the replacement parts.
Safety
Your HVAC system plays an important role in keeping your family breathing safe air. Carbon monoxide leaks and poor indoor air quality can be the result of a poorly maintained system. A carbon monoxide leak is poisonous and potentially fatal for your family. Carbon monoxide is a gas that has no color and no odor, so regular maintenance on your system and indoor air quality checks could be life-saving.
Repair Frequency
Making repairs to an aging, inefficient unit is like putting a bandaid on it. A repair might make your system last for just a little bit longer, but at what cost? If you’re spending the money to make repairs every other month to an old unit, it can be significantly more expensive than just replacing the unit altogether. If your HVAC technicians are “topping up” your Freon every so often, you’re likely getting scammed. HVAC units are closed units, which means that Freon doesn’t get low without a leak somewhere in the system. A leaky system can cause exorbitant spikes in your energy bills as well.
Freon Usage
AC units use refrigerants to cool air and circulate it throughout your home. Freon is simply a brand name that has become part of common language, like Velcro or Band-Aid. R-22 Freon is being slowly phased out in America due to its environmental impact. Newer units use R210A refrigerant. If your system still uses R-22 Freon, it may be time to make the switch to a more efficient unit.
Efficiency
Cooling costs can play a big part in making the decision to replace your old air conditioning unit instead of repairing it. Low system efficiency means higher energy bills. Repair costs may be more affordable than a new system, but a newer, more efficient system can save you money every month with energy savings. Even if your system is only a decade old, a more efficient system can do the same job with less energy consumption.
What’s a SEER Rating?
A seasonal energy efficiency ratio (or SEER) measures the efficiency of an air conditioning system. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient your HVAC system is. SEER ratings start at 8 and go up from there. Many newer systems have a rating as high as 26.
AC Repair vs. AC Replacement
Although regular HVAC maintenance can extend the life of your system, it can’t keep it running forever. Knowing when you need an AC repair vs. an AC replacement can be tricky. We’ve listed some common symptoms below to help you determine if you need an AC repair or replacement. If you have questions about your specific unit, feel free to give us a call at (214) 432-2859.
Signs You May Need an AC Repair
- You notice strange noises coming from your system
- New smells coming from your system
- Your AC is short cycling (turning on and off repeatedly)
- Poor air circulation
Signs You May Need an AC Replacement
- You’re performing the same or similar repairs every year (or every month)
- Your energy bills have jumped
- Your unit is struggling to keep your home comfortable
Cost to Repair Air Conditioners
One of the biggest factors when it comes to repairing or replacing an AC unit is cost. Sometimes repairs are relatively minor, like a clogged air filter or drainage problems. Other times, however, even simple repairs can signify a bigger problem with your unit. The average costs to repair major components of an AC unit are listed below.
- Condenser motor repair: $300-$600
- Condenser coil leak repair: $1,100-$3,400
- Condenser replacement: $1,300-$5,000
- Evaporator replacement: $600-$2,000
- Compressor replacement: $1,300-$2,500
Many factors go into determining the cost of repairing major parts of an AC system, including the type of system, age, size, and brand. If your unit is struggling to keep up with the scorching Texas heat, a repair may not be the most cost-effective option. Customers can also take advantage of our annual HVAC maintenance plan to make sure their systems are staying as efficient as possible.
Cost to Replace Air Conditioner
The cost of replacing an air conditioner is more than just installing a new unit. A newer, better unit can bring your energy bills down and give you peace of mind knowing that your system can keep your home comfortable. The cost of installing a new system can vary greatly, especially when considering how big of a system to buy, whether you need ductwork installed, and the efficiency of the system. A more efficient system may cost more upfront, but it can save you money in the long run with less maintenance and lower energy bills.
The average cost to replace an AC system is roughly between $1,500 and $8,000 depending on which system you choose. Deciding to buy a new air conditioner is an expensive one, but so are repairs. That’s why we offer flexible financing options and special coupons year-round. We know the importance of having a working heating and cooling system.
Call Lyons Air & Heat for Reliable Rockwall HVAC Services
At the end of the day, the decision to repair or replace your current air conditioner is yours to make. At Lyons Air & Heat, our team is ready to answer any questions you may have and support you through the process. Our experienced HVAC technicians can provide you with a free quote to help you get a better idea of the cost to repair or replace your system. For more information about our offers and services, give us a call at (214) 432-2859.
