So much has changed in the world of air conditioning in recent years that if your system has almost any significant breakdown — or if it’s just not keeping you as cool as it used to — it may be worth replacing it instead of repairing it.As of 2010, for example, manufacturers must use a new kind of refrigerant that’s not an ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbon. And a new system can use less than half the electricity of your old one while doing a far better job of keeping you cool and comfortable.If your air conditioner is more than eight years old, repair is probably not worth the expense, unless it’s a simple problem like debris clogging the condenser unit or a worn fan belt. Still, to best weigh your repair-or-replace decision, ask your contractor to assess not just the condition of your existing equipment, but also the ducts that deliver the cool air and the overall quality of the insulation in your house. Improving those elements might increase the effectiveness of the system as much or more than installing new machinery.

Even if your central air conditioner is just eight to 10 years old, it could suck up to twice the electricity that even a low-end new one would use. That’s because it operates at or below 10 SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is the amount of energy needed to provide a specific cooling output. Until 2006, 10 SEER was standard, but these days, the minimum allowed by federal law is 13 SEER. That translates to 30% less electrical consumption and 30% lower cooling bills than equipment installed just a few years ago.For an 1,800 square foot house, a new 13 SEER unit will cost $3,000 to $4,000. You can double your energy savings by jumping up to 16 SEER, which will reduce cooling expenses by 60% over a 10 SEER unit. At $5,000 to $6,000, these super-efficient units are more expensive, but they qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $300 and possibly local incentives, too.“Your installer can run the numbers for you to see whether it’s worth the additional cost,” says Ellis Guiles of TAG Mechanical in Syracuse, New York.

“If you’re south of the Mason Dixon line, certainly, you can make up those dollars pretty quickly.”You could upgrade to the highest efficiency gear available and still not feel comfortably cool on hot days. how to wire up a ac unitThat’s because the mechanicals are only part of the central air system. low power ac unitThe average house’s ductwork leaks 10% to 30% of its air before it can reach your living space, according to Pacific Gas & Electric. hvac heat pump for saleBefore deciding whether to repair or replace your condenser and blower units, your technician should run a duct-leakage test, by sealing the vents and measuring how much air escapes the system. If the ducts are inefficient, he can locate and seal the gaps, typically for $25 to $35 per vent (per “run” in industry jargon), or replace the ductwork entirely with new, insulated pipe for around $100 per run, according to Guiles.

Your technician may recommend doing the duct improvements in conjunction with replacement of the mechanicals or may recommend only one or the other job.Related: Do You Really Need to Clean Your Air Ducts?If your house is poorly insulated, it’s putting a strain on your aging air conditioner. Resolving the house’s flaws may mean that your old system will have enough cooling power to continue to do the job for a few more years. Or it may enable you to buy a smaller replacement system, lowering your upfront and ongoing energy costs significantly. Your heating and cooling contractor should assess and, if necessary, upgrade the building envelope. For example, he might seal gaps and cracks in the outer walls and attic floor, or he might blow insulation into the walls, either of which could knock as much as 30% off your heating and cooling costs. Insulation also may get you a $500 federal tax credit, and in some cases, it may be a more effective solution to your cooling problems than replacing your equipment.

If you decide to replace, make sure the contractor’s bid includes a load calculation, which is a computer printout showing how big a system you need and why. Air conditioning is measured by the ton, which is the cooling power of a one-ton block of ice melting in 24 hours. Some old-school installers use a ballpark estimate for sizing equipment—say, one ton for every 400 or 600 square feet of living space. But that typically leads to systems that are too big, according to Greg Gill of Action Air Conditioning and Heating in San Marcos, Calif. Not only do oversized systems cost more, but they also do their cooling work too quickly, which means more frequent on/off cycles, wearing out components and gobbling electricity. Plus, they don’t have a chance to effectively dehumidify the air. Good contractors use load-calculating software that factors in such data as the number of windows in your house, the thickness of insulation, the configuration of the attic, and the building’s orientation to the sun.

It produces not only an exact tonnage requirement, but determines how much cool air each room needs. All bids (get at least three, from licensed, well-regarded companies) should include this one-page printout.The cost to repair a broken air conditioning unit can vary depending on the specific problem and the brand of air conditioner being serviced. However, the average cost for AC repairs, according to thousands of projects above, is $300. Nonetheless, we have seen certain air conditioning repair services run as low as $53 or as high as $900. Of course, with occasional maintenance and quick resolution for the most common repairs, your AC unit should last a very long time, up to 20 years if you’re lucky. Of course, there are certain factors that can increase or decrease your air conditioner service cost. The average lifespan of an AC unit is 15 years. Just like us, AC units get beat up and slow down over the years. As such, the older the unit is, the more expensive your repair will be.

While the extent of the damage will certainly play a bigger role in your average HVAC repair bill, age will factor in. If you’re unit is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing the air conditioner. Many pros go by the $5,000 rule. Multiple the repair cost by the age of the unit. If it’s over $5,000, replace; Sadly, HVAC issues seem to come up at the worst times. That’s because most of us do not use the air conditioner until summer or late spring. Clearly, these are the months cool, constant air is most appreciated. Believe it or not, other homeowners are going through the same dilemma. Since HVAC pros know they’re in high demand in the summer, they tend to charge more than a repair required in January or October. Essentially, just like a plumber, they charge extra for emergency repairs. As demand goes up, so does supply. In 2006, a new HVAC rule went into affect for residential air conditioners, requiring all to have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 13 or higher.

As you might expect, the more efficient the unit is (or newer), the lower your average AC repair cost will be. Keep in mind, if for some reason your high-efficient repair bill is high, you’re still saving on energy costs every month through your electric and gas bills. Additionally, larger-sized units require more work than smaller units. Since larger homes require larger units, there really is no way around the size of your air conditioner. As such, size is sadly one cost factor you can’t alter. The less work your system has to apply, the longer it will last. Therefore, adjusting your thermostat or opening the windows can greatly deter and lower certain AC maintenance and repair costs. When you’re not home, raise the thermostat. When you leave for vacation, raise the thermostat. Don’t apply so much force (e.g. lower temperatures) when it’s not needed. This will not only lower the lifetime cost of the unit, but extend it as well. We will get into specifics later, but there are plenty of recommended maintenance items all homeowners should strongly consider if you want you to extend the lifespan of your AC unit.

Furthermore, regular maintenance prevents certain repairs less organized homeowners see every few years. Some easy and highly recommended AC unit maintenance tasks include: All AC repairs were not created equal. While a new filter could cost as low as $20, a refrigerant leak repair can cost up to $1,600. Just like any aspect of the house, certain repairs will mostly depend on the damage. Clearly, the more serious issues will cost more. That not only means more time for the HVAC pro, but more complexity and materials as well. Sadly, neither come without a hefty markup. There are plenty issues that come up with any AC unit and fortunately, there are agreed-upon ranges for each and every one. While some of these projects may cost more than $900, just know that you can always reduce the price by shopping around for the right HVAC contractor. Just like a car, your air conditioning unit will share when it’s in need of repair. The longer you wait to fix it, the more likely the unit will completely shut down.

The most common signs that the air conditioning unit may soon break down include loud or strange noises coming from the unit or warmer than normal air being released. In addition, if your unit smells bad, is frosty or water is leaking, chances are, you’re in need of repair. When the air conditioning unit displays these symptoms, contact a local HVAC pro. Just like a low tank of gas, it’s better to gas now versus running out in the middle of a 95-degree July afternoon. Delaying any repairs around the house comes with potential risks. Whether it’s additional repair or replacement costs down the line, safety concerns or an increase in utility bills, it certainly pays to fix your AC unit when you first recognize an issue. If you see any of the signs mentioned above, that means your AC unit is operating with a limp. More strain means your entire AC system could completely shut down at any time. If that happens, you could be hit with a $4,700 bill to install a new air conditioner.

The average AC repair bill of $302 sounds much more pleasant. Just like running a marathon, we perform better at full strength. If we’re not feeling great, it’s that much harder to finish the race. Similarly, when you set your thermostat to a certain temperature, the system is tasked with maintaining that temperature throughout the room. Working at full strength, the system can easily maintain that temperature (as long as it’s not below 60 degrees or above 80 degrees). However, when injured, the system may struggle to keep the room at your desired temperature. As such, it’s working harder, which means higher utility bills. HVAC pros are busy, especially in the summer. Just because you need an AC repair right now, that does not mean an HVAC pro will be available. Additionally, if they are free, your cost to repair the AC unit just went up. Emergency situations call for changes in schedules, surprise road trips and many other sudden situations. As such, air conditioning contractors tend to charge more.

Rather than waiting for a repair to come along, why not prevent the repair in the first place? To do so, you must maintain your air conditioning unit, even if there are no signs of trouble. Luckily, each of the following maintenance tasks are easy, cheap and quick: In general, it’s best to stick with an air conditioner repair company that specializes in HVAC services. While many companies offer general household repair services, such as plumbing, HVAC and more, you’ll be better served by going with a company that specializes in air conditioning and heating. Before you reach out to local HVAC companies, jot down a few notes. Know the model of your unit and see if it’s under warranty. If so, call the manufacturer first. Then, get multiple quotes for the project in question. Never get less than two quotes for any home remodeling project. Once received, compare all and make sure all include the same work. Check referrals and certifications before making a final decision.