5-question decision list
- How old is the unit? Residential split air conditioners run for many years with good maintenance; but in units older than ten years, the likelihood of a major failure and loss of efficiency increases.
- Which refrigerant does it use? Repair is difficult and expensive for R22 units; R410A units can still be serviced. Details: air conditioner refrigerant types and the 2027 rules.
- What is the fault? Faults such as the fan motor, sensor, capacitor or drain are usually repaired. For faults such as the compressor, main board or a punctured coil, the repair cost can approach the price of a new unit.
- How much do you use it? For a unit used every day in summer and for heating in winter, the difference in consumption of a new inverter air conditioner makes itself felt within a few seasons. For a unit that runs only a few weeks a year, the payback of replacement takes longer.
- On/off or inverter? Switching from an old on/off unit to an inverter unit makes the biggest difference in comfort and consumption: how much does an inverter air conditioner save.
Rule of thumb
| Situation | Our recommendation |
|---|---|
| Young unit, simple fault | Repair |
| Middle-aged, well-maintained, first major fault | Evaluate repair and new unit quotes together |
| Old, on/off, used frequently | Replacement |
| Runs on R22, leaks refrigerant | Replacement |
| Compressor failure, old unit | Replacement |
| Constantly losing refrigerant, leak cannot be found | Leak test first; replace if it recurs |
How do I tell how much the old unit consumes?
Compare the electricity consumption (kWh) of the months when the air conditioner is used heavily with previous years. If consumption stays high even after maintenance, the unit's efficiency may have dropped. We explained the effect of neglected maintenance on consumption in our article energy consumption of an unmaintained air conditioner.
What should you watch out for when replacing?
- Choose the capacity according to the room, not the old unit: air conditioner BTU calculation.
- Check whether the old copper pipes are suitable for the new unit's refrigerant and diameter; if not, they should be replaced.
- The refrigerant in the old unit must be recovered without being released into the atmosphere.
- A vacuum and leak test must be performed at the end of installation: air conditioner installation.
Repair or replacement, let's decide together
Tell us your air conditioner's brand, age, refrigerant type and fault; we will prepare a diagnosis and a two-option quote.
If you find it hard to decide, let us run a fault diagnosis; we will compare the repair and new unit options in writing on the same day. We work as authorized service for LG air conditioners and as an independent technical service for other brands.
Frequently asked questions
How many years does an air conditioner last?
It depends on usage intensity, installation quality and maintenance. Well-maintained units run for many years; the lifespan of poorly maintained units is noticeably shorter.
Can an air conditioner be repaired after a compressor failure?
It can, but the cost is high. If the unit is old, replacing it usually makes more sense.
Can the old piping be used with a new air conditioner?
In some cases it can be reused after checking the pipe diameter, cleanliness and refrigerant compatibility; in most cases replacing it is recommended.
What should I do with the old air conditioner?
After the refrigerant is recovered, it should be handed over to a licensed recycler.