Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive appliances you’ll ever own, and in South Florida, an absolute necessity. When your A/C is not working efficiently, it can put undue stress on the unit and increase utility bills. Whatever is causing your HVAC unit to malfunction, you’ll need to make a choice – should you fix it, or is it best to replace it with a newer, more energy-efficient model? 

Repair or Replace? That is the Question 

A professional AC technician can help you to assess the right course of action, depending on the situation and what has caused the unit to malfunction. Here are some of the more common problems that HVAC units exhibit: 

  • Blown Transformer: If the outdoor unit has a bad connector, it can blow the transformer. Professionals recommend replacing both the connector and the transformer. 
  • Blown Fuse: If the thermostat fuse goes bad, it is recommended to simply replace it. 
  • Failing Capacitor: There are typically two capacitors in most outdoor units – the start capacitor and the run capacitor. When one or both of these elements fail, an HVAC expert can replace them to restore the operation of your unit. 
  • Clogged Condensate Line: A blocked condensate line will cause water to pool and trip the system’s float switch. The HVAC system will subsequently shut off until the drain line is unclogged.
  • Low refrigerant levels: When a refrigerant leak is present, the decision to repair or replace it will be made based on the situation. Refrigerant valve or line leakage can often be fixed, but sometimes repairing a refrigerant leak is nearly impossible. 

When Should You Replace Your HVAC Unit?

Some situations typically require a Sarasota area homeowner to replace their HVAC system with a newer model. This may be due to a catastrophic failure, parts that are too expensive to replace, or a unit that is too old to repair effectively.

  • Failed A/C Compressors: If the A/C compressor fails after the warranty expires, the best course of action is to replace the entire system.
  • Unit is Too Old: Regardless of the issue, if the unit is over 12 years old, putting new parts into it may be an exercise in futility. Homeowners will likely experience multiple failing parts, resulting in many service calls and bills.
  • Concern over Energy Consumption: Old units can waste energy and increase utility bills. Homeowners should consider the impact of energy consumption on the environment – new units operate more efficiently, cool with less energy usage, and work with fewer needed repairs. If your A/C is old and you know you will have to replace it soon, sinking money into repairs is not advisable. 

At some point, it becomes too expensive to continually repair and replace parts. Purchasing a new HVAC system is the best course of action in these situations. It is understandable for homeowners to feel suspicious when an A/C technician recommends purchasing a new system. You may think repairing an AC unit is more affordable than buying a new model. 

However, an established air conditioning service company has earned its reputation by giving honest and sound advice throughout the functional life of its customer’s A/C units. Experienced A/C technicians understand that older units can cost more in repairs and inefficiencies.

Newer units require less frequent service calls and provide greater efficiency. If your A/C unit is causing problems and your energy bill is rising, call the trusted professionals at Ocean Air. We have four decades of experience, thousands of satisfied clients, and the expertise you need to stay cool.