Start here

Quick, low-risk steps

  1. Move anyone vulnerable to heat into a cooled space if your home is unsafe.
  2. Write down the unit's age, model number, and any error codes.
  3. Ask for a written diagnostic and itemized repair estimate.
  4. Request a replacement quote with efficiency ratings and warranty terms.
  5. Compare the repair cost, remaining life, and energy savings before deciding.

Age and Refrigerant Type

The age of your air conditioner is one of the strongest signals. Older units often use R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer produced or imported in the United States. Repairs that require more R-22 can be expensive because the remaining supply is limited.

A system that is nearing or past its expected service life may not be worth a costly repair. A contractor can help you weigh the cost of the repair against the efficiency and reliability of a new system that uses a current refrigerant.

  • Check the manufacturer label for the production date and refrigerant type.
  • R-22 is no longer manufactured or imported; only reclaimed or stockpiled supplies remain.
  • A system using R-410A or another current refrigerant may have a longer practical repair window.
  • Ask the contractor whether the repair will extend the system's life by several years or only a few months.

Repair Scope and Cost

Not all repairs are equal. A failed capacitor, contactor, or condensate drain issue is often straightforward. A burned-out compressor, leaking evaporator coil, or refrigerant circuit contamination is a major job that can approach the cost of a new system.

Get a written diagnostic and an itemized estimate. The estimate should separate parts, labor, refrigerant, and any permit fees. This breakdown helps you compare the repair cost to a replacement quote on a fair basis.

  • Ask whether the repair is a temporary fix or a long-term solution.
  • Request the exact part numbers and whether they are OEM or aftermarket.
  • Confirm whether the repair includes refrigerant, and if so, how much and at what price per pound.
  • Ask if the repair will restore the system to its original efficiency or if performance will be reduced.

Efficiency and Operating Cost

A new air conditioner is almost always more efficient than a unit that is ten or more years old. Higher SEER2 ratings mean lower electricity use for the same cooling output. In a Phoenix summer, those savings can add up quickly.

Your contractor can model the estimated annual operating cost difference between your current system and a new one. This helps you see whether the long-term savings help offset the upfront replacement cost.

  • Look for the SEER2 rating on new equipment quotes.
  • Ask for an estimated annual cooling cost comparison based on your home and usage.
  • Consider whether you plan to stay in the home long enough to recover the investment.
  • Check with your electric utility for any efficiency rebates on qualifying new systems.

Warranty and Future Reliability

A repair may come with a short labor warranty, but the underlying equipment remains old. A new system typically includes a manufacturer parts warranty and a contractor labor warranty. This can reduce your risk of another expensive failure soon after the repair.

Ask about the warranty terms for both the repair and a potential replacement. Understand what is covered, for how long, and whether registration is required to get the full warranty period.

  • Request the warranty length for parts and labor on any repair.
  • For a new system, ask about the manufacturer's parts warranty and the installer's labor warranty.
  • Confirm whether the warranty requires online registration within a certain time frame.
  • Ask if the warranty is transferable if you sell the home.

Take this with you

Evidence and scope checklist

  • Exact age and refrigerant type of the current system
  • Written diagnostic and itemized repair estimate
  • Replacement quote with SEER2 rating and warranty terms
  • Estimated annual operating cost difference
  • Part numbers and whether OEM or aftermarket
  • Refrigerant type, amount, and price per pound if needed
  • Permit requirements for repair or replacement
  • Labor warranty length for repair and replacement
  • Utility rebate eligibility for a new system
  • Contractor's license and insurance information
Open the interactive private worksheet →

Common questions

What homeowners ask next

Is it always better to replace an old AC instead of repairing it?

Not always. A minor repair on a well-maintained older system can be a good value if the unit is otherwise reliable and uses an available refrigerant. A contractor can help you weigh the repair cost against the system's remaining expected life.

How does the refrigerant phase-out affect my repair decision?

If your system uses R-22, repairs that require adding refrigerant can be costly because R-22 is no longer produced. A contractor can explain whether your repair can be done without adding refrigerant or if a replacement makes more sense.

Will a new AC really save enough energy to justify the cost?

A new, high-efficiency system can use significantly less electricity than an older unit, especially in a hot climate like Phoenix. A contractor can provide an estimated savings comparison based on your home and usage patterns.

Evidence

Sources used for this guide

Research checked July 31, 2026

Optional next step

Need an on-site professional?

Use the guide and worksheet first so you can describe the situation and compare the full scope. A referral is optional; you can also contact a licensed local provider directly.

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