AC Replacement
When an older air conditioner breaks down again, replacement may be worth discussing. Call and describe the system and its history, and you will be connected with an independent HVAC professional serving your area.
Your call is connected to an independent HVAC contractor, subject to availability in your area. HVAC Nation may receive compensation when your call is connected with a participating provider. Providers are independent businesses.
Common signs
- The system is 12 to 15 or more years old
- Repeated breakdowns or refrigerant leaks
- The system uses R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer produced in the U.S.
- Rising energy bills and longer run times
- Uneven cooling and high indoor humidity
What the technician typically checks
An HVAC professional typically reviews the age, condition and refrigerant type of the current system, checks ductwork and the indoor coil, sizes the replacement and explains whether the furnace or air handler should be matched.
Before you call
Find the model number and age on the outdoor unit label if you can, and note recent repairs. That helps the contractor compare repair against replacement.
Related heating and cooling services
- Furnace Repair: No heat, short cycling, odd noises or a furnace that will not ignite.
- Furnace Replacement: Old, unsafe or repeatedly failing furnaces that may need replacing.
- Heating Repair: Any home heating problem: furnaces, heat pumps, boilers and thermostats.
- Central Heating Repair & Service: Whole-home heating systems that will not heat evenly or reliably.
- Heating System Replacement: Replacing an aging furnace, boiler or heat pump, or switching system types.
- Boiler Repair: Cold radiators, pressure problems, leaks or a boiler that locks out.
- Radiator Repair: Heating radiators and baseboards that stay cold, leak or bang.
- Heat Pump Repair: Heat pumps that will not heat or cool, ice up, or run on backup heat.
- Heat Pump Installation: Adding or replacing a central heat pump for heating and cooling.
- AC Repair: Warm air, weak airflow, leaks, ice on lines or an AC that will not start.
- AC Installation: Adding central air to a home, or a new system in a new space.
- HVAC Repair: Heating or cooling, ducts, thermostats and controls: one call for any HVAC problem.
- Thermostat Repair & Installation: Blank, unresponsive or miswired thermostats, and new thermostat installs.
- Ductwork Repair & Installation: Leaky, damaged, disconnected or undersized ducts, and new duct installation. Not duct cleaning.
Questions
How long does a central air conditioner usually last?
Many systems last roughly 12 to 15 years, depending on climate, maintenance and installation quality.
What does R-22 mean for an older AC?
R-22 production ended in the U.S. in 2020, so repairs that need it are harder. Newer systems use other refrigerants.
Should the indoor coil be replaced too?
Often the indoor and outdoor parts are matched for efficiency and refrigerant compatibility. Ask the contractor.
Talk to a local HVAC contractor
Calls about AC replacement are connected to an independent HVAC contractor, subject to availability. HVAC Nation may receive compensation when your call is connected with a participating provider. Providers are independent businesses.
AC Replacement by location
Calls are connected to independent HVAC contractors in 207 listed cities across 38 states.
Example cities: Payson, AZ, Soledad, CA, Coral Gables, FL, Jupiter, FL, Seminole, FL, Frankfort, IL, Somerville, MA, Havre De Grace, MD, Keene, NH, Englewood, NJ, Fort Lee, NJ, Cambridge, OH, Alice, TX, Harker Heights, TX.
States: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming