Equipment Replacement

Should I replace or repair my equipment?

This is a very common question that will come up with everybody who owns a home. Many say, repairing is cheaper!! Most of the time this is true, but is it the best return for your money? There is no “one size fits all” answer. To determining which option is best, it comes down to the needs and concerns of you and your home. Important items to factor in when the question arises:

#1 – Age of the equipment

• 1-10 years old – Equipment still has years of life left in the equipment and repairing is usually the best option
• 10-15 years old – This is the “gray area,” what to do is determined on a case by case basis, factoring in the need of the homeowner and the cost of the repairs.
• 15 years and older – Replacement tends to be the best option for equipment past its prime years.

#2 – Heating cost

• Heating/cooling cost have spiked in the past month – A crucial component could have failed. Usually there is considerable cost to repair, and replacement could be a better option.
• Heating/cooling cost have been trending up – As the age of your equipment goes up, components of your entire system become less efficient. A small repair or Precision Tune-Up can greatly improve the efficiency of your equipment.

#3 – Comfort

• System runs a lot or cycles on and off – With a less efficient system, it has to run more often or longer to satisfy your needs. A small repair or Precision Tune-Up can greatly improve the efficiency of your equipment and stop it from cycling.
• Many calls for On-Demand Service – Not only can it get expensive with repeated On-Demand Service calls but it is also very frustrating!! Starting with taking a lot of time out of your day, scheduling for service, taking time off of work to be at home while the repair is made, and once the problem is fixed, having something else break! Factoring in cost, headaches, and most importantly your time, replacement could be the best option.