Repair or Replace? A Common Situation
It’s a question you’ve likely considered with cars, computers, and other household appliances: is it better to repair or replace? And like others, it can be difficult to determine which option is best and most economical in the short-term and long-term. Many homeowners face this very dilemma when their aging HVAC unit requires a major repair.
Cooper Mechanical Services is a Myrtle Beach area family-owned and operated HVACR company. Our philosophy is that a strong business relies upon trust and honesty, and that the hard-sell doesn’t help us achieve this. In this post we’ll give you our honest and reliable perspective on when it may be more advantageous to repair or replace.
Consider HVAC Lifespans
New HVAC units experiencing issues tend to be repaired, especially since they are often under warranty. If your unit is relatively young, repairing is often those most cost-efficient in the short and long-term.
That said, it’s important to recognize that an HVAC system’s lifespan can vary, especially if it is in close proximity to the beach and ocean. Outdoor units that are oceanfront or near it average 6-8 years. If you are further inland in Myrtle Beach or the Conway area, the average lifespan increases to 10-15 years.
Why do HVAC units near the beach have a short life? It’s simply the environmental factors: increased salt water and air, wind and debris, and exposure to more severe weather.
The best way to extend the life of your HVAC unit is with regular maintenance. Cooper Mechanical Services offers homeowners Clean & Service agreements that can help you put off the high cost of replacement for a little longer.
Old HVAC Units Are Inefficient
When considering repair or replacement cost, you should also consider that older HVAC systems will be less efficient and effective at heating and cooling. This can lead to higher electric bills over your units remaining years, and while this difference may seem small per month, it can easily add to hundreds of dollars over a couple years.
The Repair or Replace Formula
If your HVAC unit is in the middle or toward the end of its lifespan, there is an easy formula that may help you decide which avenue is best.
Repair your unit if:
Cost of Repair x Age of Unit in Years < Cost of New Unit
Replace your unit if:
Cost of Repair x Age of Unit in Years > Cost of New Unit
Call Cooper for an Honest Opinion
In the end, if you are unsure whether to repair or replace, ask one of our knowledgeable technicians for advice. We will consider the age and health of your unit, the estimated life remaining, and the difference in cost between repair and replacement. Rather than simply push you toward the most expensive option, we want the solution that is best for your family and budget.
Give us a call or fill out the contact form on our website to speak with a Cooper representative today.