Air conditioning is a vital part of American households. People who have them can't imagine what life was like without them, especially in states that get really hot during the summer. According to One Desk, 87% of Americans have an AC unit. But what if yours stops working? Is it better to look into HVAC repair companies or have a brand-new unit installed? Here are several things to ponder!

How Old Is Your Unit?

Is your unit relatively new, like within the past few years, or was President Barack Obama, or even President George W. Bush, in office when you got it? If it's new, then you should probably put your money towards the repairs, but if it's really old, then you should have it fully replaced. Otherwise, you're looking at throwing money at repairing a unit that is losing efficiency as it ages. When in doubt, ask your local HVAC provider and see what they recommend.

How Energy Efficient Is Your Unit?

You want to have an energy-efficient air conditioner. If you have an old unit, that could wind up being a big drain on your energy bill and you'd be better off replacing the unit. Newer units are designed to save you money on bills by conserving energy. You might have to pay more upfront for the new unit, but you'll see more money in the long run. It's a worthy trade-off!

How Badly Is Your AC Damaged?

If your AC is mildly damaged, then repairs are the best option. If it's really badly damaged, you might pay more for repairs than for a replacement. Talk to trusted HVAC repair companies in your area to see what they suggest. They will likely send someone to inspect the unit and then give their judgment. There's only so much that you can tell them over the phone.

The main thing to keep in mind here is that you should pay attention to how your AC is behaving. If you hear strange noises, notice that there's a lack of airflow, or if it's blowing hot air instead of cold air during the summer, then you should contact professionals to come look at it. If you wait too long, you could turn something that could have been a repair job into a replacement.

Are you looking for HVAC repair companies in your area? Contact us today at Service First HVAC, Inc!