Cleaning vs Replacing: How to Decide What Your AC System Really Needs

As soon as your air conditioner begins to play up, perhaps not blowing cool air anymore, making strange noises or just seems to be no longer performing as well as it once did, you have the big question to ask yourself, is it time to clean the system or time to begin searching out AC replacement parts? It is not necessarily an easy decision, and the problem with maintenance versus replacement is confusing to the homeowner as well as HVAC professionals.

This post will deconstruct the distinction, what to look out for and how to make an intelligent choice without splashing out. If you have to be a technician, property manager, or just a person who wants to keep his or her home cool and efficient, you will find that this guide will help you go through the dilemma with confidence.

What Does Cleaning Your AC System Involve?

Washing your AC system is not a wipe and go one. It is the restoration of air flow, the increase of efficiency and the avoiding of future damage. You may also fix minor issues yourself by cleaning your unit regularly and therefore prolong its life.

The cleaning normally includes:

  1. Cleaning of the condenser and the evaporator coils

  2. Cleaning of air filters or changing of air filters

  3. Inspection and de-clog block drains

  4. Cleaning up the blower fans and motors

These actions are able to eliminate accumulation, decreasing performance or overheating of the system. In most cases, when a problem with the HVAC seems to be irreparable and needs replacement, it could be fixed with a thorough cleaning, particularly when the device was not serviced recently.

When Cleaning Just Isn’t Enough

Cleaning is not a miracle cure though. There are parts that will be at the end of their lives to a point that they can never be revived through maintenance. Chances are high that your AC has been in service over the past several years which presumably means that there is a possibility of it not working properly because of wear and tear.

It is here when AC replacement parts come in. Components such as capacitors, fan motors, contactors, or thermostats will wear out with time and it is a better idea to replace them than to attempt any resurrection process.

These are indications that it is a replacement problem rather than a cleaning problem:

  1. The issue comes back few days after cleaning again

  2. Odd electrical odors or buzzing around the AC panel

  3. Blower fans failing to turn even when the thermostat is on

  4. Ineffective airflow despite the cleaning of filters and ducts

When this happens it is prudent to look out HVAC replacement parts that are sold by reputable vendors such as AC Parts Distributors that stock quality replaced parts of all AC brands and models.

Understanding the Cost Factor

Of course pricing is a major factor of the decision. Short term savings are typically in cleaning your AC. The average service call could be placed between 100 to 300 dollars based on where you are and the complexity of the job.

Replacement costs on the other hand are dependent on which parts are required. The capacitor may be costing 25-50 dollars, and the blower motor may be between 200-500 dollars. The great news? The repair of a faulty component can save thousands of dollars, as opposed to the repair of the whole unit.

However, when you keep having to replace this or that part season after season, then it is high time you took a thought to acquiring a more modern energy saving system.

Think Long-Term: Performance and Energy Efficiency

Older systems may not be energy efficient even after a careful cleaning process and replacement of new parts. This does not only impact your cooling comfort, but on your utility bills as well.

Suppose that your AC is more than 10 years old. Even the new parts to replace the AC may still be running at a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 10-13, whereas new units go as high as 20 SEER or higher. As time goes by, the money saved on the electricity bills may easily cover the cost of an upgrade.

However, in the case of newer units (not more than 8 years), it is most often the case that a replacement of a few worn out parts with quality hvac replacement components for sale will see the unit back to peak performance without requiring a systems change.

Working with the Right AC Parts Supplier

It does not matter whether you are replacing or cleaning, but it is important that the source of your replacement parts is of great difference. Generic or incompatible parts may be even more problematic in the future, resulting in untimely co-ordination of the systems, higher wear or even safety issues.

This is why it is important to cooperate with reputable suppliers such as AC Parts Distributors. They offer:

  1. Certified and brand compatible AC replacement parts

  2. Technical advice and compatibility of products

  3. Both commercial and residential nationwide shipping Nine years experience

No matter if you are an HVAC technician working on volume installs or a homeowner seeking a one-time repair, being able to get the right parts at the right time can be a game-changer.

Still Not Sure What Your AC Needs?

You are torn between ordering deep clean or going to the store to buy parts, and you know what, it is never too late to conduct an inspection. A qualified technician will assist you with pinpointing whether it is your system that is underperforming because of dirt and neglect or whether it is screaming to be equipped with new components.

A good number of the contemporary AC units can serve more than ten years when maintained well. That is why before you get rid of your system or spend a lot of money on it, ask yourself: is it clean? And did the cleaning show a visible difference when so? Otherwise, the quality of AC replacement parts might become the thing that will help your AC get a new life.

In some cases, it does not make a difference to choose one or the other. The right combination could be a clean system with a couple of new necessary components. When you have the proper assistance of AC Parts Distributors, you will be able to bring back the comfort, save some finances, and ensure your system will be working great during all seasons.


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