Repair vs. Replace

If you have had a problem with your ac recently, you may have been told by the service technician that it is time to replace your system.  We are asked all the time, "how do I know when it is time to replace my system".  So, we thought we would take a minute to give you some tips on Repair vs. Replacement.

Top Reason TO Replace  -  FREON LEAKS!

The Clean Air Act does not allow any refrigerant to be vented into the atmosphere during installation, service, or retirement of equipment. Therefore, R-22 must be recovered and recycled, reclaimed, or destroyed. After 2020, the servicing of R-22-based systems will rely solely on recycled or reclaimed refrigerants. Chemical manufacturers will no longer be able to produce, and companies will no longer be able to import, R-22 for use in new A/C equipment after 2010, but they can continue production and import of R-22 until 2020 for use in servicing existing equipment.

To add to the EPA mandated phase out, the industry has seen a major price increase of R-22.  The Charlotte Observer recently did a story discussing the increase that you can link to here.  This obviously means an major increase of pricing on R-22 to the customer. 

Bottom line - if your system has a leak, you should replace the AC and evaporator coil.  This will give you a much more efficient system with a warranty and the new refrigerant.

Repair or Replace...your system if it is over 13 years old and has a major problem - REPLACE!

The life expectancy of an air condition system is between 13-15 years.  That is if it is maintained regularly!  And we have seen units that have lasted upwards of 20 years when maintained every year.  However, once your unit is over 13 years old, the efficiency ratings have dramatically decreased.  It could be costing you 30% more to run your older system now than it did when it was new.  So, if you have a major repair arise on a system that is more than 13 years old, you should really consider replacement.

Repair or Replace...my 9 year old system could use several hundred dollars in repairs - DISCUSS WITH YOUR SERVICE TECH!

This one can truly go either way.  Your air conditioner is a machine, and as we all know, machines break.  You will more than likely have to have parts repaired on your air conditioner throughout its lifespan.  In this situation, you need to weigh out your pros and cons with your service technician.  Yes, your system may be getting older, but it could have another 5-7 years left in it.  The technician should be able to show you test readings from other major components of the system.  If those items test good, why not fix it?!  A top quality technician will give you all the information you will need to help you MAKE a decision, NOT force or scare you into a decision.

Repair or Replace...my system has the new refrigerant (R-410A) and is fairly new, but has a couple repairs that should be done - REPAIR.

If your system contains R-410A, then odds are repairs are worth it.  The age of a system normally isn't much of a deciding factor until after 10 years of operation.  Again, a good technician will give you all the information you will need to easily make the decision.


In today's economy, we all have to be smart with our money.  Our technicians will educate you, and give you all your options.  They will also provide you with consequences and scenerios that could result from the different options.  Carolina Heating & Air Design wants YOU to be able to make the decision of Repair vs. Replace confidently for yourself!

Call Us Today!  980-235-0055

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