In North Texas, your air conditioner works harder than almost anything else in your home. When it starts struggling through a Carrollton summer, the question of repair versus replacement comes up fast. Here’s what to weigh before you buy a new A/C system.
Signs It’s Time to Replace, Not Repair
- Age. Most central AC systems last 12 to 15 years in our climate. If yours is older than that, replacement usually makes more sense than another major repair.
- Repeat repairs. If you’re calling for service every summer, those bills add up quickly.
- R-22 refrigerant. Systems built before about 2010 often use R-22, which is no longer produced. Recharging one is expensive, and the price keeps climbing.
- Rising electric bills. An older, worn system can use far more electricity than a modern one to keep the same temperature.
- Uneven comfort. Hot upstairs rooms, high humidity or a system that never shuts off are signs the equipment is failing or was never sized correctly.
Getting the Size Right
Bigger is not better. An oversized system cools the house quickly, shuts off, and never runs long enough to pull humidity out of the air. An undersized system runs nonstop and still can’t keep up on a 105° day. A good contractor sizes the system from your home’s square footage, insulation, windows and layout, not just by matching the tonnage of the unit you already have.
Understanding Efficiency Ratings
Efficiency is measured in SEER2. The higher the number, the less electricity the system uses for the same amount of cooling. Federal minimums for Texas went up in 2023, so every new system is more efficient than what most older homes have. Higher-SEER2 systems with two-stage or variable-speed compressors cost more up front, but they run quieter, control humidity better and lower your monthly bills through long Texas summers.
Newer systems also use lower-impact refrigerants such as R-454B. That’s another reason to replace a very old system instead of investing more in it.
Comparing Quotes
When you get estimates, make sure you’re comparing the same things:
- The exact equipment brand and model numbers, for both the indoor and outdoor units
- Whether new refrigerant lines, a new thermostat, a drain pan and permits are included
- The manufacturer’s parts warranty and the contractor’s labor warranty
- Whether the contractor will register the equipment so you get the full warranty
At J & Sons, our installed price includes the equipment, materials and labor, and every system is tested and commissioned on site. See our good, better and best Trane options, or ask about financing.
Talk to a Local HVAC Pro
Ready for a free estimate on a new system? Call J & Sons Air Conditioning and Heating at (214) 274-1610. We’re a family-owned company based in Carrollton, and we answer the phone 24/7.