Repair or Replace? That is the Question!

We know you rely heavily on air conditioning here in the valley of the sun’s legendary summers. The last thing you want to deal with is not having your AC work. Don’t panic though, it’s bound to happen at some point, even for units which receive routine professional maintenance.

Before you call in a professional, there are some things you can do yourself to see if it’s a quick fix. First, check the thermostat settings to make sure someone didn’t switch it from “cool” or “auto.” Make sure the temperature setting is correct as well. Next, make sure the unit has power by checking the circuit breaker or fuse that runs your air conditioner at the main electrical panel. You can also turn on the fan to determine if the blower is getting any power. If it starts, the blower is getting power. If the fan doesn’t turn on, the blower may be malfunctioning. Finally, always clean condenser coils and replace the air filter if you haven’t done it as preventative routine maintenance in a while.

If you determine it is time to call in an air conditioning professional such as Wolff Mechanical, here are some factors to consider that will help you further determine if it’s time to simply repair or time to replace:

• Life expectancy: Typically, most AC units last 8-12 years if properly maintained. For each additional year past that time frame, they often become more and more expensive to maintain due to worn out parts, expired warranties and discontinued internals.
• Efficiency: Assess the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of your current air conditioning system. A complete overhaul of your existing unit will only achieve the SEER rating of when it was originally manufactured.
• Current condition: Determine how your AC unit will hold up when nearing its age expectancy based on the previous conditions. If your unit has been poorly maintained or has a steady record of breaking down during peak usage months, a complete overhaul of your current system may prove a costly repair.

Wolff Mechanical’s team of air conditioning experts utilizes a 17-point scale to effectively assess your cooling needs. Our expert technicians are trained and certified to give you the most complete air conditioning evaluation and recommendation if a replacement or repair is needed.

We have many specials for AC system repairs and replacement, including financing options. Visit our website for more information on our services. We look forward to being your first choice for all of your Phoenix air conditioning needs!

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