When your AC breaks down, the big question is: spend money fixing it, or invest in a new system? Here’s how we help Houston homeowners decide.
The 50% rule
If the repair costs more than 50% of what a new system would cost, replacement usually makes more sense — especially if the system is over 10 years old. In Houston, where AC runs 6–8 months per year, efficiency gains pay for themselves faster than in cooler climates.
Signs it’s time to replace
- System is 15+ years old — Average AC lifespan in Houston is 12–15 years due to heavy use.
- Uses R-22 (Freon) — Phased out, expensive, and getting harder to find.
- Frequent repairs — If you’ve called for service 3+ times in the past 2 years.
- Rising energy bills — Old systems lose efficiency over time.
- Major component failure — Compressor or heat exchanger on an old system.
- Uneven cooling — Some rooms hot, some cold, despite working system.
When repair makes sense
- System is under 10 years old
- It’s a minor repair (capacitor, contactor, fan motor)
- First major repair on an otherwise well-maintained system
- Repair cost is well under 50% of replacement cost
Replacement savings in Houston
Old 10 SEER system
~$200/mo
Estimated summer cooling cost
New 16 SEER system
~$130/mo
~$70/mo savings during peak months
Our honest approach
We don’t push replacements when a repair will do. And we don’t keep patching a system that’s costing you more in the long run. We give you the facts and let you decide. Free estimates on all replacements. Free second opinions if another company has already quoted you.
Not sure what to do?