Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner in Paramus, NJ?

Do you need an expert’s input on air conditioner repair vs. replacement? Call Gladiator Services today to schedule a consultation.  

When a cooling system malfunctions or breaks down, many homeowners automatically assume the worst. Most times, a quick fix can restore the system and get it back up and running. However, replacing the entire system sometimes makes more sense.  

But what helps you decide whether to repair or replace your air conditioner? As the go-to air conditioner repair service in Paramus, NJ, the Gladiator Services crew explores the repair vs. replace dilemma. 

Signs You Should Repair Your Air Conditioner  

If you experience the following problems, you can repair rather than replace your cooling system:  

AC Unit Runs Constantly  

An AC will run constantly for various reasons, most of which require repairs. Common culprits include a dirty air filter, dirty coils, a faulty thermostat, clogged ductwork, or low refrigerant level.  

Hire an experienced HVAC technician to troubleshoot potential reasons why your AC unit runs constantly before investing in a new one.  

Warm Air Coming From Your Air Conditioner  

When your AC unit blows out warm instead of cool air, don’t rush to replace it. This can happen for various reasons that require no more than a quick fix. For example, you may have a faulty thermostat that won’t communicate the right temperature setting to your cooling system.   

Restricted airflow or a compressor issue can also cause your AC unit to release warm air.    

Insufficient Airflow  

If the air coming out of the AC vents seems weaker than usual, you should rule out a few potential HVAC repair issues before considering a complete replacement. First, confirm that you have unclogged ducts free of clogs or blockages.

Unusual Noises  

Under normal conditions, an air conditioner shouldn’t run too loud. If you hear any unusual noises like buzzing or rattling coming from your AC unit, contact a certified HVAC technician to diagnose the issue. Perhaps your AC unit has a loose, damaged, or dirty part causing the noise.  

Cleaning or replacing the component will usually stop the noise and restore order.

Refrigerant Leak  

If your cooling system leaks refrigerant, you may notice an ice buildup or water pooling on the refrigerant lines. Refrigerant leaks can also cause short cycling (constant tuning on and off.) Contact an HVAC technician to fix the leak and recharge your AC unit with refrigerant to get it working as it should.  

Signs You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner  

So, should you repair or replace your air conditioner? Sometimes, your unit could benefit from a complete replacement. If you experience any of the following scenarios, it’s likely time to replace your unit:  

A Sudden Increase in Your Energy Bills  

Energy bills will certainly increase during the cooling season. You can also expect your energy bill to increase gradually as the unit loses efficiency over the years. However, unusually high energy bills or a sudden increase in your energy bills often point to the need for a replacement.   

A newer air conditioning system will run more efficiently and result in decent energy savings.  

Poor System Performance  

If your air conditioner struggles to keep up with your cooling needs, it may be time to replace it with a newer model. If after inspecting your AC unit an HVAC technician can’t pinpoint the cause of the poor performance, it may simply be time to replace it. 

High Repair Costs  

AC repairs don’t come cheap, but if fixing your unit costs more than the cost of a replacement unit, replacing the unit would make more sense. Besides the amount, consider the frequency of repairs because that money adds up over time.

Multiply the unit's age with the cost of repair; if the total exceeds $5,000, a replacement will serve you better.

Old Age  

If the same AC unit has served you for 15-20 years, investing in a new air conditioner will prove wiser than fixing it. You don’t want to spend money fixing an air conditioner that has reached the end of its expected service life. 

Your AC Unit Poses Safety Risks  

As a property owner or manager, safety takes top priority. If an HVAC technician confirms that your air conditioner poses a fire hazard or produces carbon monoxide, you must replace the AC unit for safety reasons. When it comes to safety, don’t take any risks.  

Keep your property safe by replacing your air conditioning system if it poses a safety risk. You should also consider the fact that your AC unit could be harming the environment.   

Older cooling systems use outdated R-22 Freon refrigerant, which various countries and international agreements have since phased out or banned for its ozone-depleting properties.  

The Bottom Line  

Ultimately, the decision to repair or replace your air conditioner depends on what caused your AC problem and the extent of the damage. If a simple reason, like a faulty thermostat, caused the AC unit to malfunction, you might have a good chance of restoring functionality with simple repairs.  

More complicated issues, like a broken motor or underperforming unit, will probably require a complete replacement. 

You must also evaluate the extent of damage as it relates to your unit’s age and cost of repairs. If you only needed to replace a small component of an AC unit with plenty of mileage left in it, a repair would seem obvious. A costly repair on an old unit warrants replacement.  

Trust Gladiator Services for Your Air Conditioning Needs in Paramus, New Jersey  

Whether you decide to repair or replace your air conditioner, you want a dependable HVAC company to do the job. At Gladiator Services, you can count on a professional, courteous, and thorough crew. We strive to deliver lasting solutions, so you don’t have to worry about recurring problems.  

Does your air conditioner have low airflow? We can help with that too. Our seasoned crew has what it takes to diagnose your cooling system and restore it to optimal working condition.  

Call Gladiator Services today at (201) 419-6090 to schedule service in Paramus, New Jersey or the surrounding areas.