Unfortunately, the world is full of uncertainty that leads to difficult decisions that ultimately need to be made. At the end of the day, making the best decision with the information you have is really the only thing you can do in these situations.
This time of year, there is a question that pops up more than we would like.
SHOULD I REPAIR MY SYSTEM OR SHOULD I REPLACE IT?
Here are some things to consider when considering this question:
How old is my system?
Repairs hold more value for younger systems, as there is less of a chance for the system to have issues that are lurking, waiting to hit you when you’ve already spent money on another part.
Replacement is a much better option for older system facing expensive repairs, as there is a higher chance of something else going wrong in the future.
Rostron Premium Home Services often uses the graph below to illustrate the cost of a repair versus the age of a system. As HVAC systems age, expensive repairs are less likely to be recommended.
Is this the first repair completed for my system?
Repairs can stack up over time. If the current repair you are facing is the first, it means more than if it’s the third or fourth major issue you’ve come across.
Replacement is a great option for systems that have a history of being unreliable. If you’ve had to complete a number of serious repairs for your system, it may be time to put the system out to pasture and start fresh with a new one.
How did my system work before?
Repairs will frequently bring your system back online. At most, your system will likely be working as well as it was before.
Replacement is a great option if your system wasn’t working well before. That could mean a number of things, including dramatic temperature swings or hot/cold spots in areas.
Are there any risks associated?
Repairs can occasionally have potential complications. At Rostron Premium Home Services, we value transparency and do our best to be as clear as possible to avoid disappointment. Our technicians share their findings, including other parts that could be at risk as well as if the repair is a “first step” that might require further repairs. Some fixes could also be temporary.
Replacement isn’t always a walk in the part either. Even with like-for-like equipment, issues can arise if previous installs are no longer up to code. Working with a reputable company can prevent these unforeseen issues before they come up.
What are my potential savings?
Repairs will rarely provide any kind of savings. They are meant to get your system back up and running.
Replacement offers savings down multiple avenues. For one, technology and regulations have pushed systems to be more efficient. That means you’ll be saving the difference between the current cost of operation and the new cost of operation. In addition to that, there are a number of manufacturer and utility rebates available, depending on the town you live in!
BUT WHERE DO I START?
System not operational? Not sure if you want to repair or replace your system? Rostron Premium Home Services recommends starting off with a service call with one of our technicians. It’s impossible to make the best decision when you don’t have all the information, including what needs to be fixed and how much it will cost to do so.
Unfortunately, there is no clear answer when it comes to this question, and the best thing you can do is prepare.
