When your AC breaks down, the big question is always the same. Fix it or replace it?
The answer depends on age, cost, and where you live. Living near the coast changes the math.
Salt Air Speeds Up Corrosion
If you're in Garden City near the port, or anywhere in Savannah within a few miles of the water, your outdoor unit is taking a beating.
Salt air corrodes coils, fins, and electrical connections faster than you'd see inland. A system that might last 18 years in Macon could be done at 12 here.
We see it all the time. Units that look fine on the outside but have coils so corroded they can't hold refrigerant anymore.
The 10-Year Mark Is Critical
If your system is under 10 years old and the repair is under $500, fixing it usually makes sense.
Once you hit 10 to 12 years, especially in Chatham County, you're in the gray zone. A $1,200 compressor repair might buy you two more years. Or it might buy you six months before something else fails.
At 15 years or older, replacement almost always wins. You're throwing money at a system that's already on borrowed time.
Energy Costs Add Up Fast
Old systems use more power. A lot more. If your unit is 10 SEER and you replace it with a modern 16 SEER, you could cut your cooling costs by 30 to 40 percent.
Run the numbers. If you're paying $250 a month to cool your house in July, that's $100 in savings every summer month with a new system.
Over five years, that's $2,000 back in your pocket. It offsets part of the replacement cost and you get better comfort and reliability.
The 5,000 Rule
Here's a quick test. Multiply the repair cost by the age of your system.
If the answer is over 5,000, replace it. If it's under 5,000, repair might make sense.
Example: $800 repair on a 7-year-old system = 5,600. That's close. But factor in coastal corrosion and it tips toward replacement.
Example: $400 repair on an 8-year-old system = 3,200. Fix it and move on.
Refrigerant Matters
If your system uses R-22 refrigerant (Freon), it's old. R-22 was phased out in 2020. Topping it off costs a fortune now because supply is limited.
A leak that needs two pounds of R-22 could cost $400 just in refrigerant. That's a clear sign to replace.
Modern systems use R-410A, which is cheaper and better for the environment.
What We Recommend
We always give you the honest breakdown. Here's the repair cost. Here's the replacement cost. Here's what we think makes sense for your situation.
If you're planning to stay in your home for five more years, replacement usually wins. If you're selling next year, a repair might get you through.
We install Rheem systems throughout Garden City, Savannah, Pooler, and Port Wentworth. They hold up well in our coastal climate and come with strong warranties.
Not sure what to do? Call us at (912) 921-9936. We'll inspect your system and give you a clear answer with no pressure.