Deciding whether to repair or replace your AC is stressful. These seven signs usually mean a new system is the smarter investment for an Orlando home.
1. It's 12+ Years Old
Florida systems work overtime. Past 12 years, efficiency drops and failures multiply.
2. Repairs Are Adding Up
If you've paid for multiple repairs in a couple of seasons, that money is often better applied to a reliable new unit.
3. Your Energy Bills Keep Climbing
A declining system uses more electricity for less comfort. A new high-SEER2 unit can noticeably cut your OUC or Duke Energy bill.
4. It Uses R-22 Refrigerant
Older systems use phased-out R-22, which is expensive and increasingly hard to source. Leaks become costly fast.
5. Uneven Cooling and Humidity
Hot rooms, muggy air, and a system that runs constantly point to a unit that can no longer keep up with Florida demand.
6. Frequent Breakdowns
If you're nervous every July that it'll quit, that stress has a cost too.
7. The Compressor Fails
On an older unit, a failed compressor is often the tipping point — replacement usually wins the math.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Typically 10–15 years — shorter than cooler climates because they run so much.
If the repair is small, maybe. For major failures at that age, replacement is often smarter.
Yes, including 0% options for qualified homeowners.
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