Getting a fix on whether to repair or replace

by Scott Kelly, 5/2010

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But what if it is?

When an indoor comfort system fails – with “fail” ranging from energy inefficiency to mechanical breakdown – you can either repair what’s broken or replace it with something new. Should you patch a problem, swap a component, modify existing equipment … or invest in a total upgrade? Consider the following to get a fix on whether it’s best to repair or replace.

What’s too much? A repaired part oftentimes fixes the problem. But if your HVAC frequently malfunctions, tally repair bills from the past couple years to calculate whether money might be better applied toward a new, high-efficiency system that pays for itself through energy savings. If a proposed repair costs $500 or more, consider replacement instead.

Age up? Age out. Heat pumps and air conditioners more than 10 years old should be replaced. Even when still fairly dependable, they’re far less-efficient than new Energy  Star-rated comfort systems which, properly installed, can save up to 40% on heating/cooling costs. This age-out rule also applies to furnaces and boilers more than 15 years old.

Keep your cool. Heating units tend to outlast cooling components, so it often makes economic sense to repair an air conditioning problem rather than replace the entire HVAC system.

Just a phase (out). Ozone-depleting refrigerants are being phased out in favor of more eco-friendly options. So avoid costly repairs on older units requiring discontinued refrigerants such as R-22.

The Goldilocks syndrome. This room is too hot; that one is too cold. The culprit could be improperly-sized equipment (bigger is NOT always better) or faulty ductwork. Have an HVAC contractor measure your home to determine the precise capacity – no more, no less – needed for optimal comfort.

Perk up. Financial incentives – rebates, tax credits, special financing – are generally offered only on new equipment rather than repairs.

Carolina Heating Service in Greenville SC specializes in indoor weather solutions including residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems. Contact us at 864.232.5684 or 866.488.4688

or visit our Contact page to email us or to get directions to our Greenville Sales Office