There is a point where continuing to repair an old system costs more than replacing it. Knowing where that point sits is most of the value we add.
The rule of thumb we use: if a repair costs more than about a third of a new system and the equipment is past roughly twelve years, replacement usually wins once running costs are counted. Under that threshold, repair is normally right — and we will say so even though the other answer is worth more to us.
Age is not the only factor. Systems still running R-22 are increasingly expensive to charge, because the refrigerant is no longer produced. Repeat failures on the same circuit, a compressor drawing high amps, or a heat exchanger showing early cracking all shift the math toward replacement.
When replacement is right, it is also the moment to correct whatever was wrong originally — sizing, duct restrictions, return air starvation. A new unit connected to a failing duct system cannot deliver the comfort or the efficiency you are paying for.
What a replacement quote includes
- Written repair-versus-replace comparison
- Load calculation to correct original sizing errors
- R-22 system assessment and options
- Duct evaluation as part of every quote
- High-efficiency and variable-speed options explained
- Old equipment removed, refrigerant handled properly
- Free estimates on new equipment
- Financing available with approved credit
What goes into the decision
Estimates on new equipment are free, and financing is available with approved credit.
- The rule of thumb
- A repair over about a third of the cost of a new system, on equipment past roughly twelve years, usually means replacement wins.
- R-22 systems
- R-22 is no longer produced, so recharging relies on reclaimed stock at rising prices. An R-22 leak is the clearest replacement case there is.
- Ductwork comes first
- A high-efficiency unit on a leaking, undersized duct system cannot deliver its rated performance.
- Outdoor unit only
- Rarely a good idea. Indoor and outdoor units are rated as a matched pair, and mismatching costs efficiency and can void the warranty.
How an installation works
- 1
A free estimate
Estimates on new equipment are free, and financing is available with approved credit.
- 2
Sized by calculation
We size the system with a load calculation for your house, rather than matching the nameplate on the old unit.
- 3
Made to fit
Where the new cabinet needs duct or plenum work, we fabricate it in our own shop.
- 4
Tested and explained
We measure airflow, verify the charge, set the controls and show you how everything works before we leave.
Our repair-or-replace rule of thumb
This is the guideline we use once running costs are counted. Below that threshold, repair is normally the right choice, and we will tell you so.
What shifts the math toward replacing
- A system still running R‑22
- Repeat failures on the same circuit
- A compressor drawing high amps
- A heat exchanger showing early cracking
| Under about 12 years old | Past about 12 years old | |
|---|---|---|
| Repair costs under a third of a new system | Repairnormally right | Repairnormally right |
| Repair costs over a third of a new system | Repairnormally right | Replaceusually wins |
Estimates on new equipment are free, and financing is available with approved credit.
When repair is the right call, we will tell you so, even though replacement is worth more to us.
Family owned in Church Hill, Tennessee, since 2001
Before you book
My system uses R-22. Do I have to replace it?
Not immediately, but plan for it. R-22 is no longer produced, so recharging relies on reclaimed stock at rising prices. A system with an R-22 leak is usually the clearest replacement case there is, because you are paying premium prices to refill something that is leaking.
Will a new system lower my bills?
Usually, and sometimes substantially — but only if the ductwork and sizing are right. A high-efficiency unit on a leaking, undersized duct system will not deliver its rated performance. That is why we look at the ducts before we quote the equipment.
Can you replace only the outdoor unit?
Occasionally, but it is rarely a good idea. Indoor and outdoor units are rated as a matched pair; mismatching them costs efficiency, can void warranties, and may not be possible at all across a refrigerant change. We will tell you if yours is one of the exceptions.
Prefer to call?
(423) 357-1922- Office hours
- Monday to Friday, 8–5
- Outside those hours
- Emergency service is available — call the same number.
- Where we go
- Church Hill, Kingsport, Mount Carmel, Surgoinsville, Rogersville, Johnson City, Bristol, Greeneville, Morristown and across into Southwest Virginia. Full service area.
- Where we are
- 119 E Main St, Church Hill, TN 37642
Prefer to speak with someone?
Monday to Friday 8–5, with emergency service available outside those hours.
(423) 357-1922