An air conditioner is no different than any other piece of equipment. It can almost always be repaired when it breaks down, but the real question that needs to be answered is whether it makes any sense? A good case-in-point is the AC compressor located in the outdoor unit. The compressor is what allows the transfer of heat that keeps your Waterford, MI or Oxford, MI home cool and comfortable. Because it undergoes a lot of stress, the AC compressor is a part of the system that can fail. When that happens Kotz Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing often recommends a system replacement. That’s because replacing an AC compressor is a time consuming and expensive air conditioner repair.
FINDING THE BOTTOM LINE
When trying to decide if replacing the AC compressor is a smart decision, the most important factor will be the age of the unit. To be very clear, this article is no place for cost estimates because every air conditioning compressor replacement is unique, but there are some general guidelines that are helpful. Depending on the size (tonnage rating) of your air conditioner or heat pump, the replacement compressor can cost between $1,200 and $3,000. Remember, this does not include the extensive labor cost to complete the AC repair. It just doesn’t make much sense to invest that amount of money in an air conditioner that is several years old.
AVOIDING COMPRESSOR BREAKDOWNS
At the risk of sounding like Captain Obvious, Kotz urges Oxford, MI and Waterford, MI homeowners to do everything possible to avoid those expensive repairs. Here are some suggestions to help:
- Poor maintenance is one of the leading causes of AC compressor failure. This includes running the AC without the correct refrigerant charge. Over or under charging puts undue stress on the compressor. Regular maintenance by the pros from Kotz will assure that this doesn’t happen.
- Maintenance also needs to include regular filter changes. A dirty or clogged filter causes the A/C compressor to work much harder than necessary.
- An improper installation is another leading cause of compressor failure. A bad installation means the air conditioner compressor is under added stress from day one. That’s why Kotz has always said installation day is the most important day in the life of an AC unit.
KOTZ CAN HELP YOU DECIDE
Only you can make the final decision about whether it makes sense to replace a broken air conditioner compressor or if replacing the entire air conditioning system is a better choice. Kotz Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing is always here to explain the various options to keep your Waterford, MI or Oxford, MI home comfortable during the long, hot summer. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great information like this.
