Guide
Repair or replace an air conditioner
The right answer depends on the fault, the equipment's age, the house and how long you plan to stay.
Questions that sort the decision
Ask the contractor for the failed part, the age and condition of the rest of the system, and the likelihood of another failure soon.
- What exactly failed, and can I see it?
- What else on the system is worn?
- Would a repair leave me with a matched system?
- Is the duct system part of the problem?
- How do the repair and replacement scopes compare in writing?
What pushes toward repair
A small, common part such as a capacitor, contactor or fan motor, in a system that is otherwise sound, is usually a repair. So is a clogged drain or a thermostat fault.
What pushes toward replacement
A failed compressor or coil on an older system, repeated failures, an outdated refrigerant that is getting harder to source, or a system that cannot keep the house cool no matter what is done.
What drives the final cost
The scope of the work matters more than any single line. Equipment size and tier, duct work, the attic setup, the thermostat, electrical changes and permit work all move the figure. Written scopes that name the same pieces make comparison honest.
The installation page walks through each piece.
Ready to talk to an independent HVAC contractor?
Dial the number and say what the system is doing. The call connects you with an independent contractor who serves Leander and nearby towns.