Aircon Replacement vs. Repair: How to Make the Right Choice?

The aging of air conditioner units will diminish their operational efficiency. During its lifetime, an aircon system may need repair a few times. Although washing and cleaning is a regular maintenance work for the system. Have you ever thought that replacement is a better alternative than preparing it? Choosing between repair and replacement is difficult because each option offers benefits and has disadvantages as well. Let’s discover the differences between aircon repair and replacement and find out which one is better for you. 

 

Making Choice Between Aircon Replacement And Repair

Below are the major differences between aircon replacement and repair:

Factors	Repair	Replacement
Age of the Unit	Ideal if the unit is less than 10 years old	Recommended if the unit is over 10-15 years old
Frequency of Repairs	Suitable if repairs are infrequent and minor	Necessary if repairs are frequent and expensive
Cost Consideration	Cheaper for minor fixes (if under 50% of new unit cost)	Cost-effective long-term if repair costs exceed 50%
Energy Efficiency	Older units may continue to be inefficient	New models offer better energy efficiency, saving on bills
Repair Costs	Low-cost for minor repairs (e.g., capacitor, refrigerant)	High upfront cost but saves on future repairs
Comfort & Air Quality	May not improve comfort or air quality	Provides improved cooling performance and air quality
Environmental Impact	Older systems may use harmful refrigerants	New units use eco-friendly refrigerants
Long-Term Savings	Short-term savings, but may lead to higher future costs	Higher upfront cost, but lower energy and repair expenses over time

 

Difference between aircon repair and replacement

Below are a few differentiating factors that differentiate aircon replacement and repair:

 

1. Age of the Aircon Unit 

The age of your air conditioning system remains a critical factor in determining whether you need repair or replacement. Air conditioning units typically function effectively for 10 to 15 years before needing replacement. The rule of thumb is – repair will be a better solution if the system age is below 10 years.

2. Frequency of Repairs 

When your air conditioning system frequently breaks down, it indicates that replacing it would likely be the best decision. Buying a new one and replacing the older one is a better solution than frequent repairs. The “50% rule” states that replacement of your aircon unit becomes advisable when repair costs exceed half the price of a new aircon system.

3. Energy Efficiency 

When selecting between aircon repair or replacement, energy efficiency remains an essential consideration. Older aircon models are not energy efficient. They consume more power and incurr more electricity bills. Switching to a new air conditioning unit with better energy efficiency can ensure you less electricity consumption.

4. Repair Costs vs. Replacement Costs 

You should consider the repair cost while making a decision about replacement. A simple air filter replacement, refrigerant leak, or capacitor replacement usually requires minimum investment. Hence, replacing the whole system will not be viable in such cases. On the other hand, if you need to replace the whole condensation unit, then you may think of buying a new one.

5. Comfort and Air Quality 

Is your aircon system efficient enough to provide constant temperature? If it fails to give cool air and maintain fresh air inside the space, you can consider replacing it. Consider the indoor air quality. The latest air conditioning units have sophisticated filtration systems that help improve indoor air quality. If it’s a priority, then you may replace the old system.

6. Environmental Impact 

Older aircon systems use harmful refrigerants including R-22. This gas is banned by the Singapore government for its bad impact on the environment.  Switching to a modern air conditioning system with eco-friendly refrigerants will take care of the environment and give you cool air as well.

 

FAQ

What signs indicate whether my aircon unit requires repair or should be replaced?

For minor air filter replacement, gas leak problems, and capacitor issues, you do not need to replace the whole system. However, if the aircon is aged with a service life of more than 10 years, it’s not giving as cool air as before, if the electricity consumption is higher, if it needs frequent repairs, then consider replacing it.

What’s the 50% rule when deciding between repair and replacement?

Under the 50% rule, you should replace your air conditioning unit when repair costs exceed half of what a new unit would cost. For example, if a new aircon costs you SGD100, then you should replace your old unit only the repair cost is SGD 51 or more.  Therefore, for simple repair jobs, you do not need to replace the whole unit.

Can upgrading to a new air conditioning system will reduce energy costs?

Modern air conditioning systems have improved energy efficiency. They are eco-friendly as well.  An air conditioning system with a high SEER rating improves efficiency and will provide you with monthly energy bill savings.

How long does an aircon typically last? 

Before replacement, an aircon system should work for 10 years without needing a major repair.

How can I tell if my air conditioning system has lost its efficiency?

If your electricity bills are higher than usual, and the air is not as cool as before, then these are the signs that your system has lost its efficiency.

Which choice between repairing and replacing results in better environmental impact?

No doubt that modern aircon systems are more environmentally friendly. They use safer refrigerants and they consume less electricity as well.