Is it time to repair or replace?

Deciding whether to repair or replace aging HVAC equipment is a crucial decision every building owner will encounter. Griffin Mechanical is ready to assist you in evaluating the pros and cons of repair versus replacement.

The initial question is invariably “how much will it cost?”. Although any competent HVAC contractor can provide quotes for repairing or replacing equipment, determining the true cost is more complex. Making a decision to repair or replace based solely on comparing prices is an uninformed choice that can lead to significant expenses in the future.

What do we at Griffmech? To start with, when the equipment is newer-to-middle-aged, relatively energy-efficient, and properly maintained, repair is usually the better option, especially when detailed preventive maintenance and repair records have been kept.

When dealing with an older unit approaching the end of its life cycle, the decision-making process becomes more complex, as the repair costs versus purchase price is just one of several factors influencing its true value. The crucial aspect with older equipment is assessing whether the cost of new equipment justifies the expense of repairs.

As HVAC equipment ages, it breaks down more frequently. Maintenance and repair costs increase, and frequent downtime is disruptive, inconvenient, and cuts into productivity and profit. Some parts and components such as compressors, control boards, drives and coils can be quite costly to purchase and labor-intensive to replace, and can be harder to find as time goes on and equipment gets older. Utility costs are another important consideration, as older units can be huge energy hogs and most new equipment is far more efficient, sometimes to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars per year.

Decision-makers should also calculate the value of new warranties, manufacturer rebates, and energy incentives when it comes to choosing whether to purchase new HVAC equipment or repair the old. Griffin Mechanical can help owners and facility managers determine the value of repair vs. equipment replacement and make their best, educated choice.