Since household appliances are some of the most expensive individual items you will buy, you really want to be sure that you get your money’s worth. As such, it’s understandable that you might be reluctant to get rid of your air conditioning unit. But if you let it go too long, it can be inefficient or even unsafe. Here are a few indicators to let you know if you need to get a replacement for your air conditioning unit.
Inefficiency
If your air conditioner is inefficient at converting energy, then it’s probably costing you a good deal in electricity bills, and it would be wise to replace. Of course, it’s very difficult for you to know exactly how efficient your unit is being. Fortunately, air conditioners come with a SEER rating, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio. The ratio has gone up over the years, so if yours has a ratio of ten or lower, it would be a good idea to get a new one.
Expensive Repairs
It is generally advisable, both for you personally and for the environment, to fix problems with your unit instead of just throwing it out. However, if the repair is extensive enough, it might be worth it to get a new one. Weigh the cost of the repair against the cost of the new one, and weight the repair costs a bit heavier. After all, a unit that has been repaired once might need further work in the near future.
Frequent Repairs
Even if the repairs aren’t too costly, or even if you can get it going again by whacking it like the Fonz, a unit that keeps breaking down is definitely on the way out. Start shopping around for a new one if this is a frequent issue.
Doesn’t Seem to Help
Even if the machine itself is chugging along seemingly just fine, if the air in the room isn’t to your liking, the issue is likely with the machine. Have someone look at it to see if there’s an issue, but if it just doesn’t seem to improve your climate, you’re probably better off getting a new one.
It Uses Freon
This is a rather specific example, but some units us R 22 Freon. This is being taken out of commission by the government to improve environmental standards, and consequently, costs of Freon are exploding upwards. If you have such a machine, save yourself the hassle by getting a new one.
Especially in hotter areas of the country like Oklahoma City, air conditioning replacement can be vital, so make sure to get a new one if your old is not functioning as it should.
