Air Conditioning - Do I Repair or Do I Replace?

     Repairing an existing air conditioning system may be the least expensive option at the time, but it may cost  you more in the long run.
     If your air conditioning unit is more than 10 years old, there is a high probability that it is not SEER rated.  And, if it's a few years old, it's probably rated at SEER 9 or SEER10.  So, what does all that mean?
     The United States Environmental Protection Agency now requires that all new residential systems manufactured in 2006 and beyond have a minimum SEER rating of 13 (although window-box systems are exempt from this law, so their SEER rating is still around 10).
     Substantial energy savings can be obtained from the more efficient systems. For example by upgrading from SEER 9 to SEER 13, the power consumption is reduced by Thirty Percent

(30%).  It is claimed that this can result in an energy savings valued at up to $300 per year (depending on the usage rate and the cost of electricity).  In most cases, the lifetime energy savings is greater than the initial cost of a high-efficiency unit.  In other words, "the unit pays for itself over a period of time."
     Paying for repairs on an older system may simply prolong the need for replacement and other system parts will be strained and negatively affected.  Installing a new, energy efficient system may be a more cost effective solution in the long run.
     On the other hand, replacing a perfectly good repairable system is not a good cost effective solution either.  It's a better idea to gather the facts and weigh your options before making the decision to repair or replace.
     I'm state licensed, fully insured and bonded in your county.  I have 15 years experience in the heating and air conditioning industry.  Call me for a free up-front analysis of your system and your situation - get the facts without the sales pitch!
     Rest assured, you're dealing with a small businessman with low overhead offering high-quality (worry free) service at an affordable price.