Deciding between repairing or replacing your air conditioner depends on several key factors, most of which come down to cost, efficiency, and long-term value. At Full Blown Heating & Air Conditioning, we help you make an informed choice by evaluating the age, condition, and performance of your current system. Our goal is to save you money while keeping your home comfortable year-round.
Here are the main things we consider when recommending a repair or replacement:
- Age of the System: If your AC is more than 10–15 years old, it may be nearing the end of its useful life. Older systems are less efficient and more prone to frequent breakdowns.
- Frequency of Repairs: If you’ve already spent a lot on recent repairs or if new repairs are becoming more frequent, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a new system.
- Cost of the Repair: A good rule of thumb is if the cost of the repair is more than 50% of the cost of a new unit, replacement usually makes more financial sense.
- Energy Efficiency: Newer air conditioners are significantly more efficient than older models. Upgrading can reduce energy bills and improve cooling performance, especially during California’s hot summers.
- Home Comfort: If your current system isn’t keeping your home cool or running consistently, it may be too small, too worn out, or simply outdated.
- Refrigerant Type: Older systems using R-22 refrigerant (now phased out) are more expensive to repair and recharge. Switching to a newer, eco-friendly unit is often the smarter long-term choice.
At Full Blown Heating & Air Conditioning, we never push replacements when a simple repair will do. But when a new system will save you time, money, and stress, we’ll walk you through your options and help you make the best decision for your home. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and find out what’s right for your situation.