Short answer: If your AC is 12 to 15 years old or more and keeps breaking, replace it. If it's under 10 and the problem is small, fix it. Call us if you're in between and we'll talk it through.
Run through this list
You don't need a technician to start. Go down this list and count how many sound like your system.
1. How old is it? Under 10 years, it's usually worth repairing. Between 10 and 15, it's a close call. At 12 to 15 years or more, the system is near the end of its life.
2. How many repairs has it had? One repair is normal. If this is the second or third on the same system, it's telling you something.
3. What's the part that failed? A small part is one thing. A compressor in an old system is another. See AC compressor failed for how that decision works.
4. What refrigerant does it use? Check the label on the outdoor unit. If it says R-22, the refrigerant hasn't been produced since 2020. If it's R-410A, it's still legal to service but costs more than it used to. Details are on our R-22 page.
5. Is it keeping up? If the AC runs and runs and the house still isn't comfortable, that counts too.
6. Did a storm hit it? Hail is common in North Texas. See hail-damaged AC replacement.
When repair is the better call
We'd tell you to repair it when:
- The system is under 10 years old.
- The problem is one small, clear part.
- A major part, like the compressor, is still under warranty.
Replacing a young system because one part failed usually isn't smart. If that's you, a repair is what you want.
When replacing is the better call
Replace when:
- The system is 12 to 15 years old or more.
- It has been repaired more than once.
- The compressor failed and the system is old.
- It runs on old refrigerant and needs another recharge.
- The repair would cost nearly as much as a new unit.
What happens when you call
- Call us and tell us what you've got. Age, what it's doing, what you've been told.
- We confirm the details and book a time.
- We look at your system.
- We walk you through your options before any work starts. If a repair is the right answer, we'll say so.
If you decide to replace
Our AC replacement in DeSoto, TX page explains the whole job. If the AC and furnace are both old, see AC and furnace replacement. For a plain-words guide to the Texas efficiency rules, read SEER2 in Texas, explained.
Questions
How old is too old to repair an AC?
There's no single number, but a system that is 12 to 15 years old or more is near the end of its life. At that age, a big repair often makes less sense than replacing.
Is it worth repairing a newer AC?
Usually, yes. If the system is under 10 years old and the problem is a single small one, a repair is often the better call.
Should I replace my AC if it keeps needing repairs?
One repair is normal. A second and a third on the same system is a sign it's wearing out.
Does the refrigerant type matter?
Yes. Systems that run on R-22 are getting harder to keep running, and R-410A, while still legal to service, costs more than it used to. Each repair that needs refrigerant makes less sense on those systems.
Still not sure?
Call us and describe your system. We'll tell you what we think.