Homeowner Guides

Should I repair or replace my AC?

Use the 50 percent rule as a starting point. If the repair costs more than half of what a new system costs, and your unit is over 10 years old, replacement usually makes more sense. If the unit is younger and the repair is minor, fix it. I will give you both numbers and tell you what I would do if it were my house.

In Arizona, 12 to 15 years is a full life for most systems because of how hard they run. A small repair on a 15-year-old unit that has been maintained can still make sense. A big repair, like a compressor, usually does not.

What does a new system use for refrigerant?

Every new system I install uses the new refrigerant, R-454B. If your current system runs on an older refrigerant, that is one more factor in the repair-or-replace conversation — and I will explain what it means for the system you have now.

Getting ready for monsoon season

Monsoon dust and debris choke outdoor coils fast. Before storm season, I check the condenser for dirt, debris, and vegetation, clean the outdoor coil when needed, and make sure the drain can handle a heavy downpour — part of the same 20-point check on every maintenance visit.

Away for months at a time?

Snowbird service keeps an eye on your system while you are gone, so you come home to a house that is cool and dry — not a surprise repair bill. Ask about it when you call.

What does a tune-up catch?

A $139 spring tune-up catches most failures before they happen in July: warm air from low refrigerant, a failed capacitor or contactor, a dirty condenser coil, or a compressor problem. It is the same full check as a maintenance-plan visit, in a single visit.