Does the Need for a Recharge Indicate I Need AC Replacement

As late spring turns into early summer, we see more frequent AC calls. It is common for such calls to result in a system recharge. AC systems need to be recharged every now and again; it’s normal. But could the need for recharge indicate that the system needs to be replaced?

This is a question we get all the time at Superior W&A. In most cases, the need for a single recharge is because of a small but manageable leak that is easily repaired. But sometimes, especially if an HVAC system is fairly old, recharging may simply be a cheaper way of delaying the inevitable.

Why Systems Need Recharging

An air conditioning system is a closed loop system. Ideally, no refrigerant should escape. But equipment wears down with age. Every now and again, a system will spring a small leak that is not all that noticeable because losing refrigerant is gradual. So whenever a system needs to be recharged, we can almost guarantee there is a leak involved.

Fortunately, most minor leaks can be repaired. Recharging without finding and repairing the leak will get an AC unit up and running again, but it will not solve the underlying problem. Furthermore, letting a small leak go could mean it eventually becomes a big leak.

Things to Consider in Terms of Replacement

Calling out an HVAC technician under the assumption that you will pay a small recharging fee can quickly become a more costly experience if the technician recommends replacement. Nobody wants to look at a $5k-$10k bill for a new air conditioning unit. So there are some things to consider:

• Unit Age – An AC unit 10-15 years old is likely to spring leaks. With age, the leaks only become more frequent and more pronounced. At 15 years, replacement could be the better way to go. At 20 years, it doesn’t make much sense to continue fixing leaks and recharging.

• Leak Severity – Minor leaks tend to be easily manageable. They can be repaired so that the unit continues functioning normally for years. But major leaks are another issue. It may be less expensive to replace the unit than attempting to continually fix major leaks.

• Poor Performance – If an HVAC unit continues to perform poorly even after a recharge, there is probably something else going on. A unit that simply cannot keep your home cool even though it continuously runs probably needs major repairs or replacement.

Recharging alone does not signify you have a serious issue. Again, minor leagues are fairly common as HVAC units age. The big issues are the severity of the leak and the age of the unit itself.

Signs That a Simple Recharge Isn’t Enough

A technician who comes out to recharge your air conditioner cannot make a replacement decision for you. You are paying the bill, so ultimately the decision rests with you. There are signs that can help make that decision easier, though they still might make you unhappy. Here are some of them:

• You are having to call for repairs more often.
• The AC struggles to keep your home cool.
• The unit runs longer and more frequently than in the past.
• It is making strange grinding, banging, or squealing noises.
• Your energy bill has gotten unreasonably expensive over the last several months.

Like everything else, HVAC units wear out over time. Sometimes, a simple recharge and leak fix will have a unit up and running like new. But other times, the need for a recharge may indicate full replacement is a better option.