Repair or Replace: Your Guide to the Difference Between AC Replacement vs. AC Repair Cost

Prevention is often better than cure, especially in home maintenance. We look at the difference between AC replacement and AC repair cost estimates.

Are you aware that almost 90% of homes in the United States have some kind of air-conditioning unit?

From the high heat of summer to freezing winters, it's hard to imagine our lives without the comfort of a reliable HVAC system. Having your unit break down at the wrong time can not only be inconvenient but it can also be deadly. This is why it's so important to stay on top of maintenance and repairs.

Sometimes a total replacement is necessary. Keep reading to learn all about the difference between AC replacement vs. AC repair costs.

How Much Does AC Replacement Cost?

The exact cost of an AC replacement will depend on a wide range of factors, including the type of AC, your location, the business you've hired to do the job, and more. With this in mind, a total AC replacement can end up costing anywhere from a few grand to almost $10,000.

Before your jaw drops to the floor, it's worth emphasizing that a full replacement is almost always a last resort. If you want to save money and be more economical in general, then repairing your HVAC equipment might be the way to go.

Even if an AC replacement is your only option, you can rest easy knowing that a brand-new unit can last as long as a decade or two. This is especially true if you do everything you can to maintain it. Without preventive maintenance, you'll end up having to pay for more and more repairs.

From getting regular check-ups to ensuring the air filters are replaced each month, there are many ways you can invest in preventive maintenance. This will both save you money and extend the lifespan of your unit instead of cutting it in half, for instance.

Red flags you should be mindful of include unevenness in heating or cooling, a lack of proper airflow from one or more vents, or even a layer of ice on the AC unit itself.

How Much Does AC Repair Cost?

You'll be glad to know that AC repair is much cheaper than replacement in many cases but not all the time. For instance, if you have a significantly old unit, the repairs may outweigh the cost of replacement. This makes the decision to replace or repair much easier.

Things get more difficult when the repairs themselves don't cost that much but they keep occurring. Over time, you may have been better off with a whole new unit. It's possible that your AC is breaking on a regular basis because the professionals you've hired aren't doing a thorough job.

This is why it's so important to seek out a company you can trust. You can do this by looking at online reviews that have been left by previous customers. You can also double-check the amount of time their business had been around and what experience their team members have.

Once you've found an AC business you can rely on, you might be wondering what the cost of certain repairs will end up being. It often only costs a few hundred dollars or less to replace a capacitor, a fuse, or a condenser fan, although the exact price can fluctuate based on various factors.

It's also quite cheap to replenish your unit's refrigerant. Some of the more expensive repairs include a new compressor or condenser coil. Either of these parts could cost a few thousand dollars if not more. A new circuit board can sometimes cost as little as half a grand, but sometimes the price can end up being double that.

It's possible to have many different parts in need of repair, which can send the total bill skyrocketing. It's not uncommon for a repair quote to far surpass the cost of a new unit.

Should I Get AC Repair or Replacement?

As mentioned, the decision to replace or repair an AC unit can sometimes be crystal clear and other times a bit more difficult. One way you can make a more informed decision is by noting the age of your unit. If the unit has already reached its tenth birthday or more, then the chances of a replacement will be much higher.

If the unit is only a few years old, give or take, then a repair is often the most sensible. Your HVAC unit may even have a warranty that you can take advantage of. The last thing you'd want is to repair or replace something that was defective in the first place.

Anyone who is still unsure of what to do can always rely on AC professionals for guidance. They can tell you what the issues are, the exact costs involved, and what decision would be best for your wallet and your home as a whole.

Whether you decide on a repair or a replacement, don't forget to implement a thorough maintenance routine from now on. From getting a tune-up to keeping the ducts clean, there's plenty you can do to ensure that the system runs like a dream for many years to come.

Are You Ready to Decide Between AC Replacement and AC Repair?

Now that you've learned about the difference between AC replacement vs. AC repair costs, you can decide which is the wisest course of action. That way, you can end up being comfortable within your home no matter what season it is.

We at Friendly A/C are happy to provide our clients with a wide range of reliable HVAC solutions, including replacement and repair. We also excel at air duct cleaning and other crucial AC maintenance tasks.

Feel free to contact us with questions or schedule a service when it's most convenient for you. You can always rely on us.