Question 1

How do I know if it's time to replace, not repair?

Accepted Answer

The 40% rule is a solid guide: if the repair is more than 40% of a comparable new system and the unit is 10+ years old, replacement usually wins. Other tells: R‑22 refrigerant, rising repair frequency, uneven cooling that a repair won't fix, or a compressor that's on borrowed time. We give both numbers side by side rather than steering you.

Question 2

Can I replace just the outdoor unit and keep the old indoor coil?

Accepted Answer

It's rarely a good idea. Modern high‑efficiency condensers are matched to their indoor coil to hit the SEER2 rating on the label — a mismatched pair loses efficiency, can void the manufacturer warranty, and often runs into refrigerant metering issues. Replacing the matched set together is the only way to actually get the performance you're paying for.

Question 3

How much of a mess will replacement make?

Accepted Answer

For a same‑for‑same swap, mess is limited to the mechanical room and the immediate outdoor pad. We put down floor protection, cut refrigerant lines outside, recover refrigerant into a certified tank, and vacuum up any debris before we leave. Homeowners are usually surprised how little cleanup is left when a job is planned properly.

Question 4

Should I replace my furnace at the same time?

Accepted Answer

If the furnace is 15+ years old, replacing both together is often smart. The blower motor is shared with the AC air handling, so a new AC on a tired blower doesn't perform. You also save on the second install visit, permit trip, and refrigerant charge. We'll price it both ways so you decide with real numbers.

Question 5

How much energy will a new system actually save?

Accepted Answer

Replacing a 10 SEER unit with a modern 15 SEER2 unit is roughly a 30% cooling cost cut, before improvements from a properly sized system running longer, quieter cycles. Actual savings vary with duct sealing, insulation, and thermostat behavior — we can pull your PECO/PGW usage and model it before you commit.

Question 6

Is there a warranty on the new system?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturer parts warranties on new residential equipment are typically 10 years when the system is registered within 60–90 days of install. We register the equipment on your behalf and give you the confirmation for your records. Labor warranties are set separately and vary by promotion — we spell out both in the written proposal so nothing is ambiguous.

Repair or Replace? Get an Honest Answer.

The six-factor decision matrix

What a 15-year-old AC costs you every month

Annual cooling cost

Refrigerant

Outdoor noise

Warranty

Humidity control

We take the old system with us.

Stack rebates: up to $2,600 back

Not sure yet? Get a free replacement assessment.

Frequently asked questions