How to Balance Repair vs. Replacement in Commercial AC Decisions

When a commercial AC fails, the owner of the business is faced with a dilemma - do they have it repaired or do they turn to commercial AC replacement? Whatever they do, they have to make a decision since a building without air conditioning can cause a lot of problems. Employees aren’t as productive, customers are driven away, and operations can come to a standstill. 

So, do you call someplace such as Fusion Repair to repair your AC? Or do you bite the bullet and get a new one? You can also go to fusionrepair.com to find out what they have to offer. Since this is something that many business owners struggle with, we’re going to look at both sides. 

The Actual Price of "Just Fixing It"

Simple air conditioning repair costs can appear to be low when you compare them with the cost of the new unit. The truth is that this is often very misleading. That repair looks minor on the surface. However, it could also mean that you have a bigger problem in your system. For example, replacing your compressor could fix your immediate problem. But if you have an old unit, there may be another component that’s failing soon.

When you repeatedly fix an old and unreliable unit, the costs can add up and sometimes be more than what you’d spend on a new one. That’s when a commercial AC replacement makes more sense. 

When Repair Still Makes Sense

Although there are times when there are hidden costs, there are times when it’s a good idea to do repairs. Below are some of the times when AC repair is better than replacement. 

• It’s a Newer System - If the unit is still new and in the beginning or middle of the 10 to 15-year lifespan, repair makes sense.
• Small Issues - Tiny, contained issues such as an easy thermostat malfunction, refrigerant leak, or a problem with your fan motor are often simple and inexpensive fixes.
• Budget Problems - If you don’t have the money available for a replacement, repairs might be a solution that can be used to ensure your business keeps running.

Signs Replacement Is the Smarter Move

Although you can do repairs, there are warning signs that you should replace your AC rather than choosing AC repair.  Below are some of the signs that it’s time to replace it.

• It’s Old and Needs Many Repairs - If the system’s more than 10 years old and you’re always having it repaired, it’s a good idea to replace it. Otherwise, you’re throwing money away.
• Higher Energy Bills - An older unit isn’t as efficient, and it’s going to work much harder to keep your set temperature. If you’ve noticed your bills getting higher, then it could be due to your AC system. If the weather has been consistent without spikes in the heat, but your bills are higher, it’s a sign that your system needs replacing.
• Outdated Technology - Depending on when you last got your air conditioning, it may use a refrigerant such as R-22. This is no longer used because of environmental concerns.  It can be hard to find this refrigerant, and it can add up.
• Inconsistent Performance - Are there spots in your building that are the wrong temperature? This could mean the system isn’t properly distributing your air conditioning. Even though this might be a problem with your ductwork, it also might mean that your unit is failing.

Weighing Operational and Financial Priorities

Deciding whether you should repair or replace your AC unit isn’t just due to money. It’s also about your financial and operational priorities. Here are some things to consider when you’re thinking about whether you should contact commercial HVAC services for replacement or repair.

• Downtime - How long will your business be able to work without having a working AC? When you choose repair over a replacement, it can mean that you have lots of downtime during an important period. When you replace your system, it will minimize your downtime.
• Comfort of Employees and Customers - An efficiently running and well-maintained system will help your employees be productive and give your customers a positive experience. Bad air quality and temperature changes can impact both negatively.
• Total Ownership Cost - Yes, the sticker price of new units is scary. But forget that for a minute. Figure out the amount you’ll save from lower maintenance costs, lower energy costs, and fewer emergency calls. This will be your replacement value. You may find that it’s actually saving you money to replace rather than repair in the long run.

Making the Decision a Strategic One  

Before you can make a choice, you have to assess your system. Add up all the additional costs from higher power bills, how many times you’ve had an emergency call to have your system repaired, and other things. Think about your employees and how often they’ve called out or not been as productive because they were too hot to work. Think about the customers who’ve walked out because your business was so uncomfortable. 

Once you’ve done this, compare it to the price of a new unit, factoring in the amount that you will save because it’s more energy efficient. 

As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when you’re weighing your options. Whether you repair or replace your unit, remember to make AC maintenance a priority since it will help your unit last longer. 

We hope you found this useful. Please comment below and let us know.

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