When your air conditioning starts acting strange, then you may wonder whether a simple AC repair will do the trick, or if you need an entirely new installation. And while no one wants to get their unit diagnosed to hear that they need a brand new one, it’s important for your comfort and the value of your property that you get a professional to look into it. In some cases, it won’t even be up for debate, but there are a few signs that can alert you to which one will be best for you.

Check Out the Age of the Unit

If you have an air conditioning unit that’s younger than five or six years, you’ll often need an AC repair when something isn’t working in proper order. As your unit ages, you’ll start to notice little issues that can quickly be resolved, and the best way to prevent these it to change filters on time, as well as schedule your yearly maintenance. Once your AC system reaches ten years older or more, you’ll start wanting to talk to a professional about a new installation to prepare yourself for cost, finance options, and the different energy-efficient selections that are available. This way, even when you do have an AC repair as your unit ages, you’ll be ready when the time is right.

Look Into Past Repairs

Past AC repairs will give you an idea of what’s been replaced on the unit and how frequently they’ve been coming. If your air conditioning system is around nine to ten years old, then you may actually save money on repairs by getting a new installation. Talk to the experts to learn more about your unit if you think that it is prematurely in need of AC repairs. People find that when they buy a new home, their HVAC system may not have been given the care and attention that it needed in its prime from the previous owners.

Go Back to Your Energy Bills

Your energy bills can give you a lot of insight into how your unit is performing. Now, you should be mindful of natural elements that will cause your bill to rise such as extreme temperatures or additional charges for other energy needs. However, you’ll notice a gradual increase throughout the years when a new unit is required. If your energy bill is staying steady after an AC repair, then you should just continue with monitoring it.

Have an Expert Look at It

When in doubt whether you need an AC repair or brand new installation, call in the experts for a diagnostic so that you can breathe easily again. You can ask questions during your yearly maintenance, or if you haven’t gotten one in a while, then go ahead and make an appointment. We know that these can slip by you on the to-do list, but when you keep up with your unit, you’ll find that you can save hundreds of dollars in AC repairs.