It's a triple-digit day and your AC starts making a new noise. Or it just stops blowing cold air. Then comes the hard part: do you fix it again, or is it time for a new unit?
Both answers cost money, so it helps to know what to look at. Here are the four things we weigh on your system, so you can weigh them too.
Four things that decide it
How old the system is
Phoenix heat is hard on an AC. In milder places a system can last 15 to 20 years. Here, 10 to 15 years is closer to normal.
Once a unit passes 10 years, the odds of a big part failing go up fast. A costly repair on an older system may only buy time until the next part goes.
How often it breaks, and what the fix costs
If a repair truck is at your house every summer, the system is telling you something. A simple test helps here. It's called the 50% rule.
If a repair costs half or more of what a new, similar system would cost, replacing it is almost always the better use of your money. Pouring cash into an old unit is a losing game.
What it does to your power bill
Older units were built to much lower standards. New systems carry a SEER2 rating, which tells you how much cooling you get for the power you pay for.
Going from an old 10 SEER unit to a 16 SEER2 system can cut your cooling costs by 30 to 50 percent. If your summer bills climb every year, the old unit is a likely cause.
How well it keeps you cool
Hot rooms, a sticky house, or a system that runs all day and never hits the set point are all warning signs. The unit may be the wrong size, failing, or just losing its power to cool.
Keeping your family cool is the system's one job. If it can't do that anymore, it's time to look at an upgrade.
When to repair and when to replace
A repair makes sense when
- The system is under 7 or 8 years old and has been looked after.
- The problem is a common part, like a bad capacitor, a clogged drain line or a small refrigerant leak.
- The unit is still under the maker's parts warranty. That one's an easy call.
Fixes like these usually don't break the bank. Our HVAC repair visits start by finding the real cause, and you get the price before we touch anything.
What a new system gets you
- Fewer surprises. A new unit is far less likely to quit in July or in the middle of a monsoon haboob.
- Lower bills. High-efficiency systems, and inverter models most of all, use much less power.
- Cleaner air. A new system can pair with better filters to cut dust and allergens in the house.
- Steadier comfort. You get even temperatures, better humidity control and a quieter unit, with smart thermostat control if you want it.
When a new system is the right move, our HVAC installation work covers sizing it to your house, the install, and a walkthrough of the new system at the end.
How we help you decide
Some homeowners have met techs who act more like salespeople. We don't work that way. We find the problem first, then show you the cost of both paths in plain words.
There's no pressure to buy. If a second opinion helps you feel sure, get one. You make the call, and we do the work you pick.
If your AC is on the fence, we can come look at it and price both options. Our residential HVAC page shows everything we do for Valley homes.
Common questions
Will you tell me if a repair is enough?
Yes. If a small fix gets your system running and it has good years left, that's what we'll tell you. You see the price for both options before we start.
How long does an AC last in Phoenix?
About 10 to 15 years here, against 15 to 20 in milder places. Our summers make the system work harder every year it runs.
Can I spread out the cost of a new system?
Yes. A new system can go in with 0% down and 36 months interest free, on approved credit.
Is it OK to get a second quote?
Of course. We're happy for you to compare our price with another company's before you decide.