How Do I Know If I Should Replace or Repair My Air Conditioner?

A photo of the Meyer & Depew Signature Series Air Conditioner unit.

On a hot, humid New Jersey day, there’s nothing better than coming home to a cool, comfortable home. When your home feels hot and stuffy, however, the questions start. Is something wrong with your air conditioner? Does it need a minor repair or a major overhaul? Do you need a whole new system?

These are legitimate concerns that an HVAC specialist can help to address.

Signs You May Need Air Conditioning Repair

Any time your A/C is not keeping up with the heat, it is time to call a professional. Here are some other signs your air conditioning needs repair:

  • Vents are blowing warm air
  • Loud noises are coming from the unit
  • Strange or musty odors
  • Refrigerant or water leaks around the unit
  • Humidity in the home

Any of these issues can be a cause for a repair. Hopefully, the problem will be small and you will save money by fixing it before it becomes a larger issue.

But what constitutes a “big” problem? When is it time to forgo the repair and simply replace the entire system?

Choosing Air Conditioning Replacement

Deciding whether it makes more sense to replace your air conditioning system than to repair it is an individual decision. There is no set dollar figure or equation to follow when considering an HVAC replacement versus just a repair, because so many factors are involved. Depending on your circumstances, it may make sense to repair your system, or it may be worthwhile to put that repair cost towards a new unit that comes with a 10-year parts and labor warranty, which will give you confidence in your system moving forward. At Meyer & Depew, we’ll never make that decision for you. We simply give you the information you need to make the best decision for yourself. 

Here are some issues that may indicate air conditioner replacement is the right choice:

  • Approaching or surpassing the normal life expectancy of your system (15 years)
  • Rising energy bills due to decreased efficiency
  • Extensive refrigerant leaks or outdated refrigerant, which is no longer produced
  • Calling for repairs often/repair costs adding up
  • High humidity in the home
  • Major component failure: expensive parts like the compressor or coils can cost nearly as much as a new unit to replace.

A/C Unit Replacement Cost

Getting dedicated, trained comfort specialists to assess your needs and help design a system that best meets them is an important first step. Choosing repair or replacement will depend on many things, including the age and overall condition of your system, your budget, and the length of time you plan to be in your home.

At Meyer & Depew, our expert professionals will evaluate your A/C system and give you the full cost of repair or replacement before any work is done. We understand that only the homeowner knows what’s best for their home. That’s why we give you all the information you need to help you make the best decision for you and your family..

Saving on Air Conditioning Repair

With any air conditioner, proactive maintenance and timely repairs can extend your system’s life. Every system – even if it’s brand new – needs a yearly check to ensure that:

  • The filter is being changed (for peak operation)
  • The drains are clean and clear (to avoid costly water damage)
  • The flue pipe for the heating system is venting properly (to ensure your family’s safety)

We offer service plans that include our annual comprehensive tune-up, which will keep your system running in top condition and treat any minor problems before they become major issues.

Best HVAC / Air Conditioner System Replacement 

The best HVAC system is the one that meets your needs. At Meyer & Depew, we sell and service all major air conditioning brands, including our popular Signature Series, custom-designed for the seasons of New Jersey. We help our clients get the right system at the right price to keep their families comfortable and happy all summer long.