Month: May 2025

Is It Time to Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

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Alright, let’s dive into that age-old homeowner dilemma: fix it or ditch it? Here’s a blog that hopefully feels like a helpful chat about whether to repair or replace your air conditioner.

Sweating the Decision? When to Repair and When to Say Goodbye to Your AC

There’s nothing that quite strikes panic into a homeowner’s heart like the sound of their air conditioner sputtering, wheezing, or just plain not turning on when the weather starts to heat up. Suddenly, you’re facing that dreaded question: do I shell out for a repair, or is it time to bite the bullet and invest in a whole new system? We’ve all been there (and probably sweated through a few indecisive nights!). It’s a big decision, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So, let’s break it down. Here are some things to consider when you’re trying to figure out whether to repair or replace your trusty (or not-so-trusty) AC unit.

1. The Age Of Your Unit

The older it gets, the more prone it is to breaking down, and eventually, the repairs just don’t make sense anymore. As a general rule of thumb, if your AC unit is 10-15 years old or older, it’s definitely worth considering replacement, even if the current issue seems like a minor repair. Why? Because older units are often less energy-efficient than newer models. You might fix the current problem, but you could be throwing money away on higher energy bills every month. Plus, the chances of another (potentially bigger and pricier) breakdown happening soon are much higher.

2. The Frequency and Cost of Repairs

Have you seen your HVAC technician more often than your favorite barista lately? If your AC has been acting up consistently, requiring frequent repairs, that’s a big red flag. Consider how often you’re having it repaired and if, at this point, it would be more cost-effective to just replace it. If the cost of the current repair is significant (say, more than 50% of the cost of a new unit, get a quote!). AND, if you’ve had other repairs in the recent past, it might be time to just cut your losses and invest in a reliable new system regardless.

3. The Efficiency of Your Current Unit

Technology has come a long way, even in the world of air conditioners. Newer units are significantly more energy-efficient than those from a decade or more ago. They use less electricity to produce the same amount of cooling, which translates to lower monthly energy bills for you. Even if your old AC is still technically working, it could be costing you a significant amount of money in wasted energy. Look for the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating on your unit. Newer, more efficient models often have a SEER rating of 16 or higher. If your current unit has a much lower rating, upgrading could save you a surprising amount of money over its lifespan.

4. The Type of Refrigerant

This might sound a bit technical, but it’s important. Older AC units often use a refrigerant called R-22 (Freon). This refrigerant is being phased out due to its environmental impact, and it’s becoming increasingly expensive and harder to find. The bottom line? If your unit uses R-22 and needs a refrigerant recharge, the cost could be very high. In this situation, replacing your unit with one that uses R-410A refrigerent (the more environmentally friendly option) is often the more sensible long-term solution.

5. The Comfort of Your Home

Sometimes, even if your AC is technically running, it might not be doing a great job of keeping your home comfortable. You might notice uneven cooling, rooms that are always warmer than others, or the system running constantly without ever really reaching your desired temperature. If your old AC is struggling to keep up, even after repairs, a new, properly sized unit will provide much more consistent and reliable cooling, making your home a much more enjoyable place to be, especially during those hot summer months.

So, What’s the Verdict? Repair or Replace?

Ultimately, the decision of whether to repair or replace your air conditioner depends on a combination of these factors. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a quick recap to help you weigh your options:

Lean Towards Repair If:

  • Your unit is relatively young (less than 10 years old).
  • The repair is minor and relatively inexpensive.
  • Your unit is still energy-efficient.
  • You haven’t had frequent breakdowns.

Lean Towards Replacement If:

  • Your unit is old (10-15 years or older).
  • The repair is costly (more than half the cost of a new unit).
  • Your unit is energy-inefficient, leading to high energy bills.
  • Your unit uses R-22 refrigerant.
  • You’ve experienced frequent breakdowns.
  • Your home isn’t being cooled effectively.

Our best advice? Get a professional opinion! Call in a reputable HVAC technician (hey, that’s us) to diagnose the problem and give you a quote for the repair. At the same time, ask for a quote on a new, energy-efficient replacement unit. Weigh the costs, consider the long-term benefits, and make the decision that feels right for your home and your budget.

Contact Advance Mechanical in Pitt, Beaufort, and Lenoir Counties to Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner Today!

Dealing with AC issues isn’t fun, but hopefully, this blog gives you a little more clarity as you navigate the repair or replace dilemma. Stay cool out there, and if you’re ever in need of a repair or replacement, contact Advance Mechanical!

Air Duct Cleaning Improves Indoor Air Quality

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If you have noticed that your sinuses, allergies, or asthma have been unbearable recently, you may blame dust and pollen for those symptoms. But – did you know that your health and comfort are more affected by the air quality of your home than anything else? In fact, studies have found that indoor air quality is worse than outdoor air quality! The best way to improve your IAQ is to schedule a duct cleaning service with Advance Mechanical. We’ve listed how air duct cleanings benefit your health, your home, when to schedule one, and what to expect during the service!

Benefits to Your Health

The cleanliness of your air ducts significantly impacts the quality of your home’s air, affecting your family’s health and well-being. Your air ducts circulate the air in your home, and eventually, dust, allergens, dander, and contaminants that may exist in your house accumulate. This means that eventually, the air circulating through your ducts will also be contaminated. This is how your IAQ becomes poor, leading to sick family members, constant sneezing, or even trouble breathing for some. With a duct cleaning service, this buildup is cleaned out, and the air traveling throughout your home is cleaner and healthier. Make your health a priority and breathe easier with a duct cleaning service!

Benefits to Your Home

Your home will benefit in numerous ways with a duct cleaning service. For instance, when your ducts are clean and buildup is removed, your HVAC system can run much more efficiently. This will lower energy bills since your unit does not have to work as hard. You will also appreciate that regular duct cleanings will help extend your unit’s lifespan by years. You can also trust that with regular maintenance, your HVAC technician can recognize and identify any problems and provide a solution quickly and efficiently. This means your system is much less likely to need a replacement or expensive repairs. 

Signs It’s Time

It’s important to note different signs indicating it’s time to clean your air ducts. Be looking for dust buildup around furniture and vents, unusual musty odors, and higher energy bills. You should also note if your air filters are quickly becoming clogged or dusty after you change them or if there is inconsistent air flow in your home.  All these factors point to a clogged air duct that needs to be cleaned. Finally, we recommend scheduling a duct cleaning service if your home was just built or recently renovated. Construction is a messy process, and the amount of dirt, dust, and debris that gets trapped should be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent it from circulating through your home.

Advance Mechanical uses a vacuum and air hoses to remove dust, dirt, and debris from air ducts to remove any buildup. This allows us to reach spaces you may not be able to see, but that certainly takes a toll on your indoor air quality. Join the Comfort Club and enjoy $100 off duct cleaning service. Ready to schedule a duct cleaning service and enjoy fresh, clean air? Give us a call today at 252-355-9191.