Whatever may be the cause of your air conditioning problems, the issue comes down to one question:  Should you just replace the A/C compressor or get a completely new unit?  You should probably consider the cost of each. A new compressor will obviously cost less than a new air conditioning unit, but is it really worth it? The compressor will probably cost around 3/5 of a new A/C, which is a lot considering how much more you get with a completely new unit.  Furthermore, when you get a new compressor you will only receive a warranty of about one year. On the other hand, when you buy and install a new air conditioning unit, you will receive a warranty valid for around 10 years.  The benefits of buying a new A/C greatly outweigh those of buying just the new compressor.

Another thing you should consider is that replacing the compressor and installing a new A/C unit are actually about the same amount of work. To replace A/C unit, the installer has to take out all the refrigerant, cut the high/low side lines, disconnect the wiring, and perform a pressure test. When you replace just the compressor, the installer still has to do all these steps. The labor price will be close to the same, so the only real difference in cost will be the size of the unit or compressor.

Keep in mind that if you do choose only to replace the A/C compressor with the short term warranty, then you may be more likely to encounter issues in the future. Replacing your air conditioning unit completely will ensure long term service and fewer problems.

Further Action

If you cannot seem to figure out whether you should buy a completely new unit, you should seek professional help. Use TalkLocal to be put in contact with reliable local businesses almost immediately. Simply input your problem and availability and TalkLocal will do the rest. Within minutes your should be connected with a high quality business that can help.

When maintaining your home, it’s such a hassle to deal with is a less-than-optimal air conditioning system or—worse yet—a broken one. There are certain preventative steps you can take to make sure your A/C will be running smoothly when summer comes. The following is an air conditioner maintenance checklist:

– Check your indoor evaporator coils and outdoors dispenser coils to make sure they are clean.

– Check the refrigerant level and make sure that you have enough (not too much or too little) to maximize performance.

– Check your specific thermostat settings; this can save energy if you adjust it according to the particular weather or if you turn it down when you are not home.

– Check for dirty filters monthly and replace if necessary.

– Check and clean the drain pans and condensate drains to make sure there are no obstructions.

– Be sure that your outdoor unit is not blocked by tall grass or weeds.

– Run a general test: turn your A/C on and off to ensure that it functions and that there are no unusual noises or smells. Make sure that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature.

In addition, check out this article for excellent tips on maintenance on your cooling system, depending on whether you have an outdoor or indoor unit.

If you have tried going through this checklist, but are still having problems or concerns, it may be helpful to contact a local HVAC specialist. Try using TalkLocal, a free service that will connect you with top quality, reputable HVAC companies in your neighborhood within minutes. Just enter in your specific problem, location, and availability into the online service request and up to three companies who already know your situation will call YOU directly—saving you tons of time and effort in finding a service yourself.