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When deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioner, several factors should be considered. It is generally worth repairing the unit if it's less than 10 years old, the warranty is still active, and you're dealing with a one-off issue. Most central AC units last about 15 years, while window units last 8 to 10 years. If your unit is approaching or has surpassed the 10-year mark and requires frequent or costly repairs (e.g., over $5,000), replacement is often the more sensible long-term investment. For older, inefficient, or out-of-warranty units experiencing multiple problems, replacing it is typically the better choice.

During the summer, it’s best to set your AC to 78 degrees when you’re home and awake, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). For better energy efficiency, raise the temperature slightly to 85 degrees while you’re out of the house. The National Sleep Foundation advises lowering your thermostat to between 60 and 67 degrees when you’re asleep.

The top reason to purchase an HVAC maintenance contract is the fact that it ensures you are detecting problems before they turn into expensive fixes. Secondly, this type of contract provides priority service, which is nice if it’s peak busy season. Finally, an HVAC maintenance contract provides discounts on parts and labor for repairs, which can save you a good amount of money if your unit breaks.

It’s critical to use the right size AC for your space and not go too small or too big. If you purchase an undersized unit, it won’t properly cool your house, and it has to work harder to reach the optimal temperature. This will eventually wear your unit out. An oversized unit can spell trouble because it will turn off and on more frequently, which also wears out your AC unit. An oversized unit also causes humidity in the home.