When you discover your air conditioner is on the fritz just as the hottest season of the year is starting, you may be tempted to simply replace it. Sometimes, that is the best alternative. However, in other instances, it might make more sense to pay for the repairs necessary to keep it running another year. Mill Creek Heating, a respected furnace and HVAC repair and installation service in Turner, OR, wants to help you decide on the best course of action. Below, they discuss why and when to repair your AC system versus throwing in the towel and buying a new one.

When to Choose Air Conditioning Repair

If your unit is fairly new—5 years old or fewer—and the repairs are minor, you shouldn't scrap the entire AC system and invest in another. This is true even if you've experienced a serious problem or multiple minor problems with the unit. The expected life span of a central air conditioner is between 15 and 20 years, so even if it's been a bit troublesome, you can still expect to get at least a decade of use out of it before you must invest in a new one. Of course, if the air conditioner has experienced catastrophic failure and the HVAC repair technician is uncertain that repairs will do the trick, repair might not be the best option, whatever the unit's age. Sometimes you just get a lemon.

When to Buy a New AC Unit

If the unit is nearing the end of its expected life span and you're noticing more and more frequent problems, it might be time to bite the bullet and buy a new one. Also, if the cost of repairs is greater than the expected benefit, you might want to simply replace it. For example, if the unit is 10 years old, you still have about half of its expected life span left. But if the expense of repairs is more than half the price of replacement, a brief cost-benefit analysis suggests you should buy a new one. Not only do you get a warranty and a newer model, but the newer model is also likely more efficient and will save you money on operating costs.

To schedule air conditioning repair or replacement, contact the experienced professionals at Mill Creek Heating, the leading HVAC repair service in Turner, OR. They've been in business for nearly 15 years and have accumulated a great deal of experience and expertise since they started. Visit their website to make a service appointment, or call (503) 749-1000 to request a quote.