This question is asked by many of our customers during our hot Brandon, Florida summer months.
The following guidelines will help you make an informed decision as to which is best for your family:

If your AC is 5 Years Old or Newer:  In most cases the best advice is to simply fix the unit. Nearly all manufacturers provide a 5 to 10-year warranty on the compressor and other parts. Some also provide a 5 or 10-year warranty on the air conditioning condenser and evaporator coils. If you are not sure if you have a valid warranty just call ACE Heating & Cooling (Brandon, FL) and our technicians will diagnose your problem and then contact the manufacturer to determine if your air conditioning system condenser is still under warranty for any particular part, it’s that simple.

Air Conditioning Systems over 5 years of age:  When the air conditioning system compressor fails and the compressor is out of warranty we suggest replacing the entire air conditioning unit. Typically units over this age did not come with a 10 year warranty on the compressor as those types of warranties started just a few years ago.

ACE Heating & Cooling technicians will diagnose your system and contact the manufacturer  to determine if any warranty is still available. Keep in mind that the replacement compressor for your air conditioner will typically only carry a 1-year warranty and  the cost of the replacement compressor for your air conditioning system is normally at least ½ to ¾ the cost of a brand new air conditioning condenser unit.

Many of the other parts, other than the coils, that fail on your air conditioner are usually low enough in cost to warrant a repair instead of replacing the unit at this age.

Air Conditioning Systems over 8 year of age: Unless the part is less than $200.00 we suggest considering replacing the air conditioning unit. At this age the air conditioning condenser system may continue to be prone to more failures and with increased efficiency of the latest air conditioning systems you could save hundreds off your utility bill.

Air Conditioning Systems over 12 year of age: We suggest considering replacing the air conditioning condenser unit, typically you can expect to save up to 50% in operating costs simply by increasing the efficiency rating of your air conditioning condenser unit with a new indoor evaporator coil. Newer air conditioning systems that are available today are much more efficient and economical to operate than those manufactured 10 years ago.

Other  air conditioner considerations: If the air conditioner condenser fan motor fails and the system continues to run unnoticed, it is highly likely that there is hidden damage present. Your air conditioning system compressor depends on the air conditioning system condenser fan to remove the heat from the condenser unit and when the fan fails it puts a huge amount of heat, wear and tear on the compressor. The air conditioning compressor is similar to your car engine; overheating can damage both.

For AC maintenance in Fishhawk or to seek options to purchase a new AC unit in Riverview, please contact ACE Heating & Cooling in Brandon, FL at 813-657-8818.