It’s the nightmare scenario. It’s July in Florida, it’s 95 degrees outside, and your thermostat screen is blank. Your house is heating up fast, and panic sets in. You need cool air now, but you’re terrified of making a rushed, expensive mistake.
Should you pay $800 to fix an old unit? Or is it time to bite the bullet and buy a new system?
As the area’s most trusted Fast Air Conditioning Repair service, we help homeowners navigate this stressful decision every day. We provide the clear data you need to make the smart choice, not just the fast one.
The “Band-Aid” Trap: When Repair is a Waste of Money
Why shouldn’t you just keep fixing your old unit until it dies completely? Because an old A/C is a money pit.
- The Escalating Cost: Once a system passes 10-12 years old, components start failing in a domino effect. You replace the capacitor ($200) today, then the fan motor ($600) next month, and then the compressor ($2,500) next year.
- The Efficiency Penalty: An old unit (10 SEER) costs nearly double to run compared to a new unit (16-20 SEER). Keeping an old unit alive is costing you an extra $50–$100 every month on your electric bill.
Our technicians perform a total system assessment, not just a spot repair. We’ll tell you if the rest of your system is healthy or if it’s likely to break again next month, saving you from throwing good money after bad.
The “$5,000 Rule”: How to Decide Instantly
Is there a simple rule to know if I should replace it? Yes. HVAC experts use the $5,000 Rule. Multiply the Age of the Unit (in years) by the Cost of the Repair.
- If the total is under $5,000, it is usually safe to REPAIR.
- If the total is over $5,000, it is a smarter financial move to REPLACE.
Example: A 12-year-old unit needs a $600 repair. (12 x 600 = 7,200). The result is over 5,000. It’s time to replace.
We do the math for you. We provide a transparent, side-by-side cost analysis using this formula so you can see exactly which option makes financial sense for your specific unit.
When to Repair: The “Safe” Bets
You should almost always repair if:
- The Unit is Under 10 Years Old: It likely still has a manufacturer’s parts warranty.
- The Repair is Minor: A capacitor, contactor, or simple drain line clog is a standard maintenance repair, not a catastrophic failure.
- You Plan to Move Soon: If you are selling the house in 6 months, a repair is the most cost-effective option.
If a repair is the right choice, we fix it fast. Our trucks are “warehouses on wheels,” stocked with 99% of common parts so we can get your system running in a single visit.
Don’t Let Panic Drive Your Wallet.
An A/C breakdown is stressful, but the solution shouldn’t be. You need an honest assessment, not a sales pitch.
At Fast Air Conditioning Repair, we give you options, not ultimatums. Whether you need a fast repair or an urgent replacement, we have the trucks, the parts, and the team to get you cool again today.
We offer 24/7 Emergency Service. Call us now for an honest diagnostic and a solution that fits your budget.