When your AC breaks, you face a choice: fix it or replace it. Neither answer is right every time, and a good contractor will help you decide rather than push you one way.
1. How old is the system?
Most central systems last 10 to 15 years. A repair on a 5-year-old system is almost always worth making. A major repair on a 14-year-old system deserves a harder look.
2. What does the repair cost, compared with replacement?
A small repair, such as a capacitor, a drain clog or a contactor, is usually a good value on a system with life left. A major repair, such as a compressor or a coil, is a bigger decision. Ask for the price of the repair and the price of replacement side by side.
3. How often has it been repaired?
One repair is an event. Three in two years is a pattern.
4. What refrigerant does it use?
Systems that use R-22 are old, and R-22 has not been produced or imported since 2020. Any remaining supply is expensive, which makes repairs that involve refrigerant costly. Newer systems use refrigerants that are currently available.
5. What are your energy bills doing?
Newer systems are more efficient than older ones. In Palm Beach County, where cooling runs most of the year, a more efficient system can reduce your bills more than it would in a cooler climate. Ask your contractor to show you the potential savings, and be skeptical of exact promises.
Other things to weigh
- Comfort. Hot rooms, humidity and noise can be reasons to replace even when the system technically works.
- Plans for the house. If you are selling soon, a working system may be enough.
- Ductwork. Damaged or leaky ducts can undermine even a brand-new system.
- Budget and financing. A planned replacement is easier than an emergency one. See financing.
Get a second opinion
If a contractor says you need a new system, it is reasonable to get a second opinion. We are happy to give you honest repair and replacement numbers, even when the answer is to repair the system and wait. Start with our AC repair page or AC replacement page.