No one wants their air conditioner to break down, especially on a hot day. But at some point, every AC unit will start having problems. When that happens, you have two choices—fix it or replace it.
Repairing might be the cheaper option upfront, but if your air conditioner keeps breaking down, replacing it could save you more money in the long run. So how do you know which choice is best? Here’s what to consider before making a decision.
How Old Is Your Air Conditioner?
One of the biggest factors is age. Air conditioners don’t last forever. Most units work well for about 10 to 15 years, but after that, they start to wear out.
If your AC is still under 10 years old and hasn’t had many issues, then looking into Split System Repairs Melbourne is usually the best option. But if your unit is older and keeps breaking down, a replacement might make more sense.
Older air conditioners also use more energy. Even if yours is still running, an upgrade to a newer, more efficient model could lower your energy bills and save money over time.
How Expensive Is the Repair?
Not all repairs are the same. Some fixes are quick and inexpensive, like replacing a dirty filter or fixing a small leak. Others, like a broken compressor, can cost almost as much as a new unit.
A good rule to follow is the 50% rule—if the repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, replacing it is usually the better choice.
For example, if a repair costs $1,500 but a new system is $3,000, it might not be worth fixing the old one. Instead, getting a new unit could give you better cooling, lower energy use, and fewer problems in the future.
How Well Is It Cooling?
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home properly, it might be struggling to keep up. This can happen for a few reasons:
- The unit is too old and can’t run efficiently anymore.
- There’s a serious mechanical issue that keeps coming back.
- The system is too small for your home, meaning it has to work harder than it should.
If your AC still cools well but has a small issue, repairs are probably the way to go. But if it’s constantly running, struggling to cool, or leaving some rooms hot, replacing it might be a smarter move.
How Often Does It Break Down?
An occasional repair isn’t a big deal, but if your air conditioner is breaking down every summer, that’s a problem. Frequent repairs add up fast, and before you know it, you’ve spent more on repairs than it would have cost to buy a new unit.
If you’re constantly calling for repairs, it might be time to look at a replacement. A new system can save you from the stress of constant breakdowns and give you reliable cooling when you need it most.
Are Your Energy Bills Going Up?
If your energy bill seems higher than normal, your air conditioner could be the reason. Older systems use more power because they have to work harder to cool your home.
Newer air conditioners are way more energy-efficient. Upgrading to a modern unit could cut your cooling costs by 20–40%, depending on how old your current system is.
Is It the Right Size for Your Home?
Sometimes, the problem isn’t age or repairs—it’s size. If your AC is too small, it has to work overtime to keep your home cool, which can lead to more breakdowns and higher energy costs.
On the other hand, if your unit is too big, it might cool the air too fast without properly removing humidity, making your home feel damp and uncomfortable.
If you’ve always had cooling issues, even when the AC was new, it could be the wrong size for your home. In this case, replacing it with the right-sized system can improve comfort and efficiency.
When Repairing Makes Sense
- Your AC is less than 10 years old.
- The repair cost is small compared to the price of a new unit.
- The unit still cools your home properly.
- This is the first major repair you’ve needed.
- Your energy bills haven’t gone up too much.
When Replacing Is the Better Choice
- Your AC is more than 10–15 years old.
- It keeps breaking down, and repairs are becoming more frequent.
- The cost of the repair is more than half the price of a new unit.
- It struggles to cool your home, even when running all day.
- Your energy bills have increased a lot.
Making the Right Choice
No one wants to spend money on a new air conditioner if they don’t have to, but constantly fixing an old unit can be more expensive in the long run. If your AC still works well and repairs are minor, fixing it makes sense. But if you’re dealing with frequent issues, high energy bills, or a unit that’s over 10 years old, replacing it might be the smarter move.
A working air conditioner is key to staying comfortable, so whether you repair or replace, making the right choice now can save you money, stress, and headaches in the future.
