Should you repair or replace your air conditioner?
Is your AC unit on the blink? Then you're probably wondering if you should repair or replace your air conditioner. Here's all you need to know.
Air conditioners are becoming increasingly popular in the UK as we experience more extreme heat events and hot summer nights. However, if you are having issues with your AC unit, you’ll need to work out if you should repair or replace your air conditioner.
Like any electrical appliance, your air conditioner will experience wear and tear and need to be repaired on occasion. Eventually, it will need to be replaced.
Learn how to get your air conditioner up and running for the summer months and never have a restless night again.
Should you repair or replace your air conditioner?
If your air conditioner is leaking or making funny noises, it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right.
But the signs your air conditioner needs a repair and the signs you need a new air conditioner altogether can be quite different.
We outline both scenarios in our guide to help you out.
However, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a professional HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) company for help. A local air conditioning specialist can help you get to the route of the problem and evaluate if a repair or replacement is a better idea.
If your AC unit is experiencing any of the following issues, it’s likely you can repair the air con system rather than replace it.
1. Warm air coming out of vents
If you notice warm air coming from your AC it could be that you have a faulty thermostat. There could also be a compressor issue or restricted airflow causing the warm air.
2. Dripping water
It’s not uncommon to see drops of water coming from an AC unit. But what causes air conditioning to drip and how do you stop it?
Here are some of the most common reasons:
The AC filter is blocked
A blocked filter can cause a build-up of pressure and cold air inside the unit, therefore causing an unwanted leak. Clean your filter regularly to avoid this.
Damaged pipes
Cracked, rusted or weathered pipework can result in an AC leak. Check your air conditioning pipes for any signs of damage. Contact an air conditioning specialist for any repairs.
Cold temperatures outside
In the winter, extreme cold temperatures can often cause air conditioning leaks. This is because less water evaporates, meaning it can build up inside the unit and then start to leak. Put a cover over your AC unit to reduce the effect of cold temperatures.
Clogged condensation line
The condensation line allows water to drain from your AC unit via a small pipe. Over time, dirt or mildew may clog the line. Clean the indoor line in the AC unit with bleach mixed with warm water.
Frozen AC coil
If set too low, the thermostat on your AC unit could cause your air conditioning coil to freeze and/or create a build-up of ice. Change your filter and check the AC thermostat and condensate drain regularly.
A dripping AC unit may also be due to a faulty component. This should therefore be investigated as soon as possible by an experienced air conditioning specialist.
There are a few reasons why an AC runs constantly and – great news! – most are repairable.
These include a dirty air filter, a faulty thermostat, dirty coils, ductwork that restricts airflow or low refrigerant levels.
4. AC making strange noises
An air con system shouldn’t make too much noise on a day-to-day basis.
But if you do hear any loud buzzing, rattling or other unusual noises it’s probably a part that is loose, damaged or dirty.
Get in touch with an air conditioning repair person who can assess the problem and replace or clean the part to stop the noise from happening.
5. Not enough airflow
If it feels like there’s insufficient airflow coming from your air conditioner vents, don’t immediately assume the system needs replacing.
First, check to make sure your air ducts aren’t blocked or clogged with anything.
If that doesn’t do the trick, get a professional to check that the motor and blower are working properly.
Signs you need a new air conditioner
Regular maintenance is the key to a long life for your AC unit. It can prevent minor issues from developing into bigger problems.
However, if you are experiencing any of the following signs, it’s probably time to replace your air conditioning unit.
1. Rising energy bills
If your energy bills have been creeping up, and are higher than what you expect, it’s worth asking if it could be your air con’s fault.
The efficiency of your AC unit will decline as it gets older. A newer unit will run more efficiently and end up saving money on your utility bills.
2. Decreased efficiency
Regular maintenance and servicing of your AC unit means it should perform well and produce the cool air you need.
However, ageing air conditioners often struggle to maintain consistent cooling throughout the home.
If it seems like your air conditioner is running non-stop or isn’t cooling as fast as it used to, it may be a sign you need a new air conditioner.
If you’ve hired a local air con specialist to look at your unit and found no specific problem, it may simply be time for a replacement unit with a better cooling capacity.
3. Frequent repairs
Repairing an AC unit is generally costly and can exceed the cost of a total replacement in some cases.
Ageing units can be more challenging to work with or to find replacement parts for. So if your air conditioner requires frequent repairs or experiences recurring issues, it may be a sign that the system is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Consider how often you spend money to repair the unit because that money adds up over time.
4. Your AC unit is older than 15 – 20 years
It doesn’t make financial sense to keep repairing air conditioners that are past the 20-year mark.
So if your AC is older than 15 to 20 years and you’re constantly spending money on repairs, it’s wise to buy a new one rather than fixing it.
5. Safety risks
Keeping your household safe is crucial. So if your air conditioner specialist says your AC is producing carbon monoxide or is a fire hazard, you’ll need to replace the unit.
It is always better to be safe than sorry.
FAQs
What is air conditioning?
You may have a rough idea about what air conditioning is but not actually how it works or even what a unit looks like.
Generally, air conditioners use a refrigerant to take heat from a room and cool the air, unlike electric fans that just move air around the room, not cooling it at all. As such, air conditioners are usually much more expensive than electric fans but are far more effective at cooling a room.
There are many different types of air conditioning systems available including portable or monoblock air conditioners and split-unit air conditioners. The main difference between the two is that monoblock air conditioners can be plugged into a power socket in any location, and split-unit air conditioners are fixed in place.
What is the life expectancy of an air conditioner?
Typically, an AC system will last for 15 – 20 years, with factors like usage and maintenance affecting its lifespan.
Some units may exceed this lifespan with proper care, others may experience declining performance and efficiency before the 15-year mark.
Should I replace my 20-year-old air conditioner?
Generally speaking, if your air conditioner has been installed for 20 years, it might be time to get a replacement. Replacing a 20-year-old air conditioner is a significant investment, but it can lead to improved comfort, energy savings and peace of mind.
Get in touch with an air conditioner specialist in your area who can advise on all the options.
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old air conditioner?
If you have a 10-year-old air conditioner, it may be time for an upgrade. Costs for replacement parts can be expensive. So bear this in mind when deciding whether or not to repair the system or invest in a new one.
However, if the cost of repairing your 10-year-old air conditioner isn’t too high, then this could be a great opportunity to save some money.
How to tell if your home aircon needs regassing?
Regassing your aircon involves topping up refrigerant levels so the system cools properly. Some signs that you need to do this are reduced cooling efficiency, weak airflow and unusual noises such as hissing, bubbling or banging.
Look out too for visible frost or ice on the evaporator coils and increased energy bills (low refrigerant levels force the system to work harder).
Finally, be aware of humidity levels in your home. If you spot signs of mould and damp, this could be due to inadequate refrigerant levels.
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
One of the most common reasons why an air conditioner might be running but not cooling a house is due to thermostat issues.
But there are also other issues that can cause this, including:
Airflow problems
Refrigerant leaks
Dirty air filters
Faulty condenser or evaporator coils
Oversized or undersized AC units
How much does an air con service cost?
A home air conditioning service typically costs around £70 - £120 per unit. The cost largely depends on the size of the units and your location in the UK.
Depending on how much the AC is used, it could be more cost-effective to pay a monthly cost which will cover you for your yearly service, as well as if the unit ever breaks down and you need an emergency repair.
Prices for a monthly air con maintenance agreement usually start around £40+ per month.
Unless you’re qualified and experienced in handling air con repair, we recommend you find a trusted air con specialist to get a bespoke quote to suit your needs.
If your air con is in need of repair or replacement then it’s time to get a quote!
We always recommend getting a minimum of three quotes for any job or service. This means you can compare what’s included as well as the price. Use our search bar below to find a tradesperson near you.
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