
When to Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioning System: Key Factors to Consider
Your air conditioning system can be costly, but it’s a huge investment in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Yet, with proper care and maintenance, your air conditioner can last a good 10 to 15 years, depending on the model.
However, as your system ages, it may develop problems ranging from minor repairs to components you need to replace. As the repair bills stack up, you may wonder if repairing or replacing your system is more cost-effective. Here are some key considerations to make the best decision for your home and wallet.

Your AC Unit’s Age
With proper care, an air conditioner’s lifespan is between 10 and 15 years. Routine maintenance, at least once a year, can keep your unit running efficiently and maximize its lifespan. While you may have a warranty, they typically expire after two years.
However, your AC will age beyond what routine maintenance can fix at some point. If your unit is 11 years old or older and you’re experiencing frequent problems, it may be best to upgrade your system.
If your AC unit is less than 11 years old and well maintained, a repair may extend its life a few more years.
The Extent of Repairs
No matter how well you care for your unit, it will experience some wear and tear over the course of a cooling season—particularly in hot climates like the Southwest. AC units that constantly run and sustain cooler temperatures throughout the day and night undergo more stress than units that are only used occasionally, leading to more frequent repairs. Some repairs are minor, while others may be extensive and pricey.
The repair is the best choice if you need minor repairs, such as loose, cracked, or broken ductwork, a clogged drain line, or an electrical problem like faulty wiring. You can enjoy your system for years to come for just a small investment.
However, major repairs, such as a damaged blower motor, compressor, or condenser coil, can quickly add up. Extensive repairs to these components may warrant an upgrade rather than a repair.
The Cost of Repairs
If you have a newer unit that needs repairs—even expensive ones—it doesn’t make financial sense to upgrade to a new one. For a few hundred dollars, you could fix the problem and enjoy your AC unit for the better part of a decade or longer.
However, some repairs can meet or exceed the cost of a new unit. That’s when it makes sense to evaluate your options. A good rule to follow is to get the repair if it is less than 50% of the cost of a new unit and still under warranty. If it’s more than 50% of the cost of a new unit, consider upgrading.
If you’re a Goettl Smart Sadie member, you can maximize your repair investment by applying up to $2,500 of today’s repair costs to your future AC upgrade! Explore our membership plans.
The Efficiency of the Unit
The efficiency of your AC should be a major factor in your decision to repair or replace it. Older units are inefficient for several reasons, including outdated technology, the toll of age, and wear and tear. Even with unused units, the newer model will be much more energy efficient than an older model, leading to more savings on your energy costs.
How can you tell if an AC system is efficient? AC energy efficiency is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. As of 2023, new air conditioners must have a SEER rating of at least 14 in the northern states and a SEER rating of 15 in the southern states. If your older air conditioner has a SEER rating under 10, consider replacing it with something more efficient. An upgrade from SEER 9 to SEER 14 can reduce your energy consumption by more than 35%.
Another feature to look for is the ENERGY STAR® certification. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established this program in 1992 to promote more energy-efficient products, including air conditioning. If a product has the ENERGY STAR® logo, it’s recognized for its category’s highest level of efficiency.
The Frequency of Repairs
Repairs for an aging AC unit can be costly and frequent, disrupting your home routine and putting a dent in your wallet. If you’re dealing with a new problem seemingly every time you finish fixing another, there’s less expense and hassle if you spring for a new unit.
Generally, two or fewer repairs over the past 10 years are normal and reasonable. If you have experienced three or more repairs over the past 10 years, your system is rapidly declining and should be replaced.
The Size of the Unit
The size of your AC unit greatly impacts your home’s comfort and energy costs. Some homeowners mistakenly believe getting a bigger unit will keep their home cooler and more comfortable, but that’s far from the truth.
When you have an oversized AC unit, it has to cycle on and off more frequently to reach your desired temperature, called “short cycling.” This not only strains the system and increases your energy bills, but each cycle is incomplete. The unit can’t remove the humidity from the space, leading to condensation and a muggy feeling.
Conversely, an undersized unit has to work much harder than it should to cool your home. This increases the stress and wear and tear over time, leading to a shortened lifespan, frequent repairs, and a possible premature breakdown.
If your system isn’t the proper size for your home, it’s best to upgrade it. The upfront cost will pay off in better cooling, fewer repair bills, more efficiency, and lower energy costs over the unit’s lifetime.
Tax Incentives for Energy-Efficient AC Upgrades

If you’re considering a new air-conditioning system, there’s no better time than now. Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the federal government incentivizes energy-efficient home improvements by offering tax credits for qualifying upgrades under the 25C program.
While the tax credit can vary, you may be eligible for up to 30% of the project cost—up to $600 maximum—for high-efficiency air-conditioning upgrades. Be sure to discuss your eligibility and incentives with a tax professional.
Learn more about the IRA and 25C incentives.
Is It Time for an Upgrade?
It can be challenging to decide whether to upgrade your air-conditioning system instead of paying for repairs. While these guidelines can help, it’s best to consult a trusted HVAC technician to evaluate your system’s condition and walk you through all your options, including repair and replacement options that will work best for your home, family, and budget.
Is it time for an AC upgrade or Rejuuuvenation®? Goettl can help! Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say About Us




I believe he is a true asset to the Goettl team!!






I had such a good experience with Goettl the last time, that I decided to use them again for HVAC. Kevin was the technician assigned to my job. He was very professional and provided me with a thorough and accurate diagnosis. He patiently explained everything to me and walked me through the recommended repairs and even shared alternative solutions. I have the information I need and feel comfortable moving forward. I’m in good hands. I will be requesting him as my technician for all future calls.

Like most people, I typically search for the cheapest service I can find, and I end up having other plumbers come out to check out issues with my tankless water heater, who run their mouths, upsell parts (that don't seem to be causing the problem), and generally don't really know enough about tankless water heaters. This time, I decided to go with an experienced company with a good reputation, and I am glad that I did - Goettl's prices are very reasonable and worth the service they provide.
Juan, was very knowledgeable, patient, and persistent. Even better, he was careful and humble enough to acknowledge that he didn't know everything and checked with the manufacturer at every step. Juan spent a great deal of time helping me diagnose the problem (which always seems impossible to ascertain quickly with machines like tankless water heaters), and went above and beyond to ensure that my guests and I had hot water tonight.
Juan never got frustrated; he handled everything carefully and made sure to clean up after himself when he was done. If I can have Juan take care of all of my plumbing or AC issues in the future, I will. And if you're reading reviews to decide whether to call Goettl for your issue, I would encourage you to trust their service and experience. My experience with Juan was definitely memorable.
We now have hot water again. Can I get a "hell yeah"?

Like most people, I typically search for the cheapest service I can find, and I end up having other plumbers come out to check out issues with my tankless water heater, who run their mouths, upsell parts (that don't seem to be causing the problem), and generally don't really know enough about tankless water heaters. This time, I decided to go with an experienced company with a good reputation, and I am glad that I did - Goettl's prices are very reasonable and worth the service they provide.
Juan, was very knowledgeable, patient, and persistent. Even better, he was careful and humble enough to acknowledge that he didn't know everything and checked with the manufacturer at every step. Juan spent a great deal of time helping me diagnose the problem (which always seems impossible to ascertain quickly with machines like tankless water heaters), and went above and beyond to ensure that my guests and I had hot water tonight.
Juan never got frustrated; he handled everything carefully and made sure to clean up after himself when he was done. If I can have Juan take care of all of my plumbing or AC issues in the future, I will. And if you're reading reviews to decide whether to call Goettl for your issue, I would encourage you to trust their service and experience. My experience with Juan was definitely memorable.
We now have hot water again. Can I get a "hell yeah"?








Edit 11/10:2025: Had Frank Mcbride again and as usual he was great and fast. He helped explain everything.
Edit 07/10/2025: Matthew Lopez was super friendly and did an amazing job checking out our AC system and cleaning it.
Edit 03/15/2025: Dareen Guerra was super friendly and helped us identify what was leaking water super fast
Edit 12/17/2024: Frank McBride was great and fast
Edit 11/11/2024: Jeremy was great and helped us understand what was going on with our HVAC
Miguel was extremely helpful and quick to fix. 10/10 recommend Miguel and goettl

My house is a 1944 home with some old pipes. There's no "let out"
Plumbing specialist Andrew came up with the option to remove the toilet and use the camera and auger. Found out the problem was one of the pipes below is cast iron with jagged edges,in which tp would get caught up and in time caused the clog.
He cleared the pipe and everything is draining properly now!
He did mention on replacing the old pipe because of the jagged edge situation, but my budget is a bit on the tight side in which I have to put it off a little longer, he understood. We both agreed on limiting tp flushing,especially with little ones.
All in all great experience 5 stars to Goettl and 5 stars to Andrew, thanks man!
PS: I paid $408 for everything
For me a reasonable price due to the labor I saw and tools that were used, but ultimately my toilet fluhes and my shower drains!








As usual we are very satisfied with Goettl





We had a concerning plumbing issue, and Geo was able to diagnose the problem with impressive speed and accuracy. What I really appreciated was that he took the time to clearly explain what was wrong, showed me what he was looking at, and gave me honest, practical advice on the best solution.
He had the issue resolved in no time at all. The whole experience was seamless, from the quick scheduling to the efficient and high-quality work. It’s so refreshing to find a technician who is not only a master of his craft but also a genuinely kind and trustworthy person.
A huge thank you to Geo and the entire team at Goettl. You have a customer for life! If you need a plumber, ask for Geo—you’ll be in the best hands

We had a concerning plumbing issue, and Geo was able to diagnose the problem with impressive speed and accuracy. What I really appreciated was that he took the time to clearly explain what was wrong, showed me what he was looking at, and gave me honest, practical advice on the best solution.
He had the issue resolved in no time at all. The whole experience was seamless, from the quick scheduling to the efficient and high-quality work. It’s so refreshing to find a technician who is not only a master of his craft but also a genuinely kind and trustworthy person.
A huge thank you to Geo and the entire team at Goettl. You have a customer for life! If you need a plumber, ask for Geo—you’ll be in the best hands



We had Edgar come out to inspect our new home today and he did a very thorough inspection. He made sure the unit was checked so when the warranty company comes out we have all information possible. Amazing customer service and very personable
Edgar came back after a warranty inspection was done on the home by the install company. He found errors and was amazing at documentation of the issues. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
Peter and Josue came out today to do an additional check on our unit with humidity issues. The weather was not conducive to having the outdoor pressures checked and they were very thorough with an interior check. Very professional and knowledgeable.
Tyler b was very professional today and gave great recommendations for upkeep of our unit in



Highly recommend Goettl


They had the right solution in my time of need. I'll be returning for future services, no doubt.








He was my technician from another company. I’m always happy with his service that’s why I’m following him.
Thank you Colby , you are the best technician I’ve ever had .
I really do appreciate your work!!


He arrived promptly and was very professional.
We are first time customers and from now on we are calling Goettl for all our plumbing needs.
Thank You.



Andrew came in and unclogged the bathroom sink and cleared out the line . We used the Smart Sadie program for it.
Thanks Andrew and Ian and Goettl!







Overall, an awesome tech. I would love for him to be my designated technician for any future service calls for my AC unit. Thank you for a wonderful experience!


I’m very happy with the seamless experience.



Great communication




Call Goettl and was able to get us on the schedule due to a cancellation they had.
Jef Eusepi our tech was fantastic.
He explained everything and showed us pictures of what he was doing and fixing.
Would definitely recommend this Company and Jef.


I am very thankful for their help today.


































A special shout-out goes to Pablo, our technician. He was on time, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. Pablo took the time to explain everything he was checking, walked me through the condition of each component, and gave helpful tips on how to keep our system running efficiently year-round. His attention to detail and pride in his work really stood out. Because of his professionalism and the overall quality of service, Goettl has definitely earned my trust and future business.
Highly recommend Goettl HVAC—and if you can, ask for Pablo!

I have seen Goettl vans all over town and so I called them.
Got appointment right away and the Technician, Jef Eusepi, took care of our problem.

















Thank you,
Greg Sanches





















This past week our service technician was Andrew Morgan and he is such a friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled technician. He spent time making sure the job was done correctly and he explained it in terms that I could understand. Not only is our unit functioning even better than before, I also gained knowledge of how the system works.













I highly recommend Goettl as this is the second time l've used them in less than a year. (2 seperate issues)... and I highly recommend them..anytime and anyday.
They have exceeded to top any expectations I could have ever had with any company.


Jerry also noticed our water pressure was low after flushing toilet then trying to wash hands in bathroom sink which were so he suggested a new pressure regulator as we have had a new better water conditioning system installed. We now have the best water pressure even when using a shower and kitchen sink faucet at the same time. Also Jerry is a master plumber and we appreciate his knowledge and experience. Will definitely call Goettl again when a plumber is needed.
Ralph & Kathy Lesmeister



Darean Guerra today. He arrived on time and took the time to explain what he was going to do. He was very knowledgeable which helped me trust what he was doing. He left his work area clean. I am very pleased with his work.








The company is installing a tankless heater and the customer service is outstanding.
I recommend Geottl to all!


They made sure my carpet was covered and when they were all through they cleaned up perfectly
I would recommend your company to anyone looking to put in a new air conditioner.
Thank you so much for all you did for me.
Sincerely, June Jones

And I would highly recommend the company and the quality technicians like Jarod.
Jarod is the go to if you want excellent
Customer service and communication for any AC related issues. He is very knowledgeable, personable and trustworthy. I am grateful and satisfied.







They listened to my issue, were very through, checked for leaks, etc. I’ve lived in Lakeway for 30 years, used MANY local plumbers - but Goettl will definitely get all my business moving forward. HIGHLY recommend!
Ty, Wil & Adrian!

Everyone from the Goettl sales representative Christian, Tech / Advisor Josias recommended a HVAC A/C and Heating system replacement. Technicians team Veronica and her partner.

Jeremy Canchola serviced our mini-split today with the usual Goettl efficiency and professionalism.
Highly recommended!



