What to Consider Between Repairing or Replacing Your System

A common question our professional technicians in New Britain CT and West Hartford CT get asked is, “Should I repair my system or should I replace it?” The quick answer is, “Sometimes it depends on a range of factors.” Though that isn’t the answer you want to hear, before we can provide an honest and accurate answer, we need to discuss a few questions.

Here are a few of the things you should consider before deciding if repairing or replacing your furnace or air conditioner in New Britain CT is the best option.

1. The Age of Your System & the Cost of the Repair: The starting point is knowing how old your system is, how much the repair will cost, and the performance history of the system. If this is repair on a system that has already had multiple problems and is also over ten years old – you may want to look at replacing it straight out the shoot. As systems age, components within the system will wear out, and they tend to break down more often. Repeated need for repairs is a symptom of overall system failure.
2. How Consistent Maintenance Services Have Been Performed: The maintenance history of your system will also factor into the life span of the equipment. Systems that are maintained consistently not only last longer but will run more efficiently and breakdown less often. During annual maintenance visits, our fully licensed technicians are able to catch minor issues before they become bigger problems.
3. Comfort Level and Cost to Operate: Next, consider how well your system has been meeting your comfort needs and how much it costs to run throughout the year. Suffering in too hot or too cold rooms or having wide swings in temperatures is not the norm. Even though in Connecticut the temperatures can swing 30-40 degrees in a day, your system should still be able to maintain a comfortable temperature (regardless of what is happening outside). Furthermore, an increase in utility costs can often be traced back to system efficiency, improper install, or lack of maintenance. If you see dramatic spikes on your bill, this should be investigated.
4. Technology Advancements: In the last 8-10 years there have been significant changes to the way HVAC systems are designed and operate. The systems built today are designed for higher efficiency to reduce energy use (and energy costs) and can address many comfort concerns. Additionally, there have been major changes in the refrigerants used in cooling systems. Systems built before 2010 used R-22 coolant, which has been phased out. This makes repairing a system using this type of refrigerant more expensive and some cases impossible. In 2025, another change in refrigerant went into effect. With every mandate change to refrigerant types, sourcing parts for old systems becomes harder and more expensive. This drives up the cost of repairs and depending on availability may make the system unrepairable.

So, here’s our advice;

When faced with a large repair bill on an older system, or if a system has had numerous issues year after year, consult with the experts at Link Mechanical Services, Inc. We offer complimentary No-Cost, No-Obligation Quotes that will provide the information you need to make an informed decision. Ask about our current specials and financing options when you call!