As summer starts to heat up, the last thing you want is for your air conditioning unit to stop cooling properly. At Reading Heating & Air Conditioning, the premier HVAC systems company in Cincinnati, OH, the AC repair experts know when a major AC problem is actually a simple fix—and when it means you should replace your AC.

To make sure you’re comfortable all summer long, here are four ways to decide if it’s time to repair or replace your air conditioner from the HVAC contractors at Reading Heating & Air Conditioning.

• It Is 10 Years Old: Although the average life of an AC unit is between 15 and 20 years, the experts at Reading Heating & Air Conditioning recommend replacing the unit with a more efficient one if it is more than 10 years old.
• It Requires Additional Refrigerant: Some AC units reach the point where you’re constantly topping off the system with R-22, or Freon, which costs anywhere from $40 to $175 per pound. If your unit needs additional refrigerant, you might have a coolant leak. Consider replacing the unit with a unit that uses R-410A, a more environmentally friendly refrigerant.
• It Has Frequent Issues: If your equipment needs frequent repairs, or if you are always replacing parts, the maintenance might not be worth it. If you have to repair a leak, add refrigerant, and replace a compressor, you might as well buy a new unit.
• Your Energy Bill Is High: If your energy bills are going up and some rooms in your house are still too hot, consider purchasing an efficient AC system. High-efficiency units can save you up to 20% on heating and cooling costs. Not only are they better for the environment, but they’ll increase your energy savings.

To best determine if you need an AC repair or replacement, schedule a free in-home consultation with one of the HVAC systems technicians at Reading Heating & Air Conditioning. For more information about the services provided, from new installation to upgrade and replacement to maintenance agreements, visit the website. You can also call the AC repair company in Cincinnati at (513) 821-1633.