To answer the repair or replace question, several important factors need to be addressed including:
- Age of the air conditioner
- Has the unit been well maintained?
- Cost of the repairs
- Risk of more repairs being required soon?
- Availability of replacement parts
- Availability and cost of refrigerant
- Is the existing refrigerant pipe work suitable for the high pressure R410a refrigerant used nowadays? If not can the repairer get the old R22 gas?
- How long will the air conditioner be down whilst awaiting repair?
- Running costs of your current air conditioning versus a new air conditioner
- Has your life style changed since you installed or inherited the air conditioning?
- How important is it that you have fully functioning AC?
- What’s your budget; and
- Is a replacement system available quickly that meets your needs?
Age of the Air Conditioner
The AIRAH Handbook talks about the economic life for air conditioning equipment ranging from a split unit at seven years to a large commercial package unit at 15 years. Many air conditioner manufacturers only carry parts for units up to seven years of age and after that a generic replacement part needs to be found, and in some cases modified, to fit the system. In many cases if the equipment is over 10 years old, the likelihood of genuine parts availability is reduced and the system is probably costing money because it is energy inefficient.
Maintenance and Condition of your Air Con
A well maintained reverse cycle air conditioner consumes less energy, is cheaper to run and lasts longer than one where the filters and outdoor units are not cleaned regularly. Cleaning air filters every 2 months is recommended and more frequently in high dust or high usage situations.
Efficiency and Cost
- More efficient equipment will actually save you money over time as it requires less electricity to cool and heat your home or business.
- Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) came into force in 2004 (single phase units) and MEPS have increased twice since then. Temperzone state there has been a 10% -30% increase in air conditioners’ efficiency since 2009 to meet the MEPS requirements.
- To see how efficient a reverse cycle air conditioner is look at its energy efficiency rating (EER). The higher the EER the more efficient it is and the lower the running costs compared to equivalent models.
- Since 2009, with EER increase in excess of 10-30% and the price to supply and install air conditioners static it means that buying a new air conditioner is becoming relatively more attractive than repairing your old air conditioning.
- Replacing leaking refrigerant is expensive and is bad for the environment. The Synthetic Gas Levy (“Carbon Tax”) has added significantly to the cost of refrigerant.
Risk and Cost of More Repairs
You should use an Australian Refrigeration Council licensed refrigeration mechanic to repair your reverse cycle air conditioner. The “Fridgie” should be able to advise on the condition of your unit and give an indication of possible further repairs.
Summary
There’s no simple answer to the repair or replace question and it involves you balancing the relative importance of the above factors. To help your decision making process Air and Water Residential service existing air conditioners and we also supply and install all types of air conditioner so we can come to your house and give you unbiased opinion – we will not rip off as it’s not in our interest to damage our reputation. If we come out to repair or service your air conditioner and you decide to instead purchase a new air conditioner from us we will deduct the cost of the service from your new air conditioner.
About Air and Water Residential
Air and Water Residential is a family run business in Perth, Western Australia. We provide free in home quotes for new air conditioners, are a specialist dealer for leading reverse cycle brands (Daikin, Panasonic and LG) offer interest free finance and can design and install an air conditioning system to meet your needs and budget.
