Why your AC may not need replacing–even if you’re told you HAVE to

By Joseph Braswell, Owner of Guin Services, LLC

Your AC isn't performing up to par, so you get a technician to come out and see what the problem is. Instead of the simple repair you expected, they tell you that you have no other choice but to replace the unit.

While this may be a good option, the truth is, nothing is beyond fixing. Though sometimes it's not the best choice economically, leaving you spending more on repairs than replacement, there's always an alternative solution. That's why it's so important to work with a company like Guin Services that's going to give you options. For various issues, we may be able to find at least a temporary solution until you decide if and when you're ready to replace.

Should you replace your air conditioner if it has a refrigerant leak?

Refrigerant leaks are the most common reason we replace AC units nowadays. While the unit doesn't need to be replaced due to the leak itself, the problem lies in the refrigerant used by the system. Freon, also known as R-22, has been used as a refrigerant for decades, but since it's not environmentally friendly, it's being phased out and replaced with a new refrigerant called Puron, or 410A. All new units made since the early 2000's use this new refrigerant, and in 2020, R22 will be completely banned, which has skyrocketed its price.

If you have a refrigerant leak that you can't find and repair, you're going to have to keep putting money into expensive, outdated refrigerant in order for your AC to work properly. In this case, it makes more sense to get a new unit, with new refrigerant, along with a good warranty and maintenance plan.

When should Birmingham residents repair vs. replace their AC unit?

Whenever we run into the question of repairing versus replacing, I always tell the customer to look at cost versus benefit. If you can spend $1,000 and get five more years out of the unit, that makes sense. If it's going to be $5,000 to fix, and there's no guarantee the problem won't continue, then it might be time to consider replacing.

When looking at cost versus benefit, age should also be taken into consideration. If you have a 15-20-year-old AC, and you're having to spend a great deal of money on repairs, it might be worth spending the extra money a new one.

It's actually no different when it comes to buying a new car. Let's say you have a 1995 Honda Civic. You need a new engine and a new transmission, but the car probably isn't worth $5,000. You may not be able to buy a new car for that much, but if you do -- well, you'll have a new car.

This is a discussion we regularly have with our customers, and it's not often, if ever, we tell someone that they have no other choice than to replace their AC. You can always fix something; it's just not always a smart idea.

Contact Guin Service, LLC in Birmingham, AL for AC Repair or Replacement.  We've been in business for 60 years because we do what's right for our customers. You can always trust us to be honest and have your best interest in mind. We're happy to come out and give you a free second opinion if you've been told you have to replace your AC. While we may come out and say that's not a bad idea, we'll also give you your options, or repair your unit until you're ready to make the decision. Just give us a call today at 205.595.4846.