Home A/C broke, fix or replace?
Question:I have a twelve-year-old central A/C system in my condo (two floors, 1000 sqft). I had an A/C tech from a well known local company try and service it yesterday. It's a 4lbs system, and he put in 2lbs to test. He said there is a leak in the system. He didn't charge me for the 2lbs of freon, only $89 for the service call. He said the next step is to vacuum the system and check for leaks which will cost $379, plus however much it costs to fix the leak. He coming back today to perform this service..
I only intend to live in my home three more years.
-- Should I pay to have it checked for leaks plus however much it costs to repair (could be a leaky joint, compressor or evaporator), just to have it possibly go bad next season or two?
-- Should I just pay for a new system? I imagine it would cost $3k-$4k. Though, probably wouldn't have much of a return on it when I sell the condo in three years.
Answers:
As a general rule, repair it if the cost is less than half the value of what you are repairing. When you exceed the 1/2 value, then is a good time to replace it.
For that size, buy a couple used window units at a yard sale for 40 or 50 each...
Mine went out last August. Our repairman said they haven't even manufactured our brand for almost 30 years! Turned out we only needed to replace the fuses - about $120 for the service call.
We chose not to replace it - after all, a 30+ year old unit blowing fuses is not bad at all! We've been using it the last few weeks, and it works perfectly well.
Maybe get a second opinion about having it checked for leaks, depending on how long it took to run out of freon. If it runs out quickly, do the check. If it took a few years, then the repairman may be digging up work for himself.
The technology has changed so much in 12 years, it's likely replacing it will save you money in the long run with better efficiency at less cost. The $$ return may be negligible, but what if the A/C unit breaks the day before the closing?!
At the currently rising costs of energy a new system could well pay for itself in those three years as the new units a MUCH more efficient than your 12 year old unit. Save the world some fuel and invest in a new system. Best to you! ;-)=
Some companies will waive the fees for checking for leaks if you end up purchasing a new unit. Check with them for a price of a new unit. Replacing the unit should not be as expensive as $3000, or you are in an extremely expensive market. Get a price on a new unit.
Before you do anything get a quote for a new unit. It probably will be worth it to just get a new unit. If they give you a high price. Call around and ask other places what they charge for that size unit. Most people just replace the unit instead of fixing leaks because the prices can be close. Plus, everyone is right about the energy efficiency of newer units.
Replacing the system is the way to go, it is 12 yrs old, you got what you can out of the system. you gonna pay $379 for a leak check most likely your evap is the leak (another $7-800+). then next year your motor goes etc. Buy new be comfortable for three years buy a good system and get paid back in efficiency and resale
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