Repair your AC if it is under about 10 years old, the fault is a single part, and it has been reliable. Think about replacing it if it is 10–15 years or older, needs repairs every summer, still runs on R-22 refrigerant, or your cooling bills keep climbing. In the Valley’s long, hot summers, an old system works harder than most – so age and repair history matter more here.
How old is your AC?
Most central air conditioners last somewhere between 10 and 20 years, depending on how hard they work and how well they are looked after. In the San Fernando Valley, where summer days regularly stay hot for weeks at a time, systems run long hours and wear faster than in milder parts of LA.
- Under 10 years: usually worth repairing, unless the compressor has failed.
- 10–15 years: look at the repair cost, the repair history and the efficiency rating before you decide.
- Over 15 years: replacement is often the better long-term choice, especially if a major part has failed.
Not sure how old it is? The manufacture date is usually on the label of the outdoor unit. Our technicians can check it for you during a visit.
What is wrong with it?
Some faults are quick, everyday repairs on a system of any age – a capacitor, a contactor, a clogged drain line or a dirty filter. Others are expensive enough to change the maths:
- Compressor failure – the heart of the system and the most costly part to replace.
- A leaking evaporator or condenser coil.
- Repeated refrigerant leaks that keep coming back.
A good rule of thumb many homeowners use: if a single repair costs close to half of what a new system would, and the unit is past 10 years, replacement usually makes more sense. Ask for both options in writing so you can compare.
Does your AC use R-22 refrigerant?
If your system was installed before about 2010, it may use R-22 (often called Freon). The U.S. stopped producing and importing R-22 on 1 January 2020. You can still legally run and service an R-22 system, but it can only be recharged with existing or recycled stock, which makes refrigerant repairs harder and more expensive over time. If an R-22 system has a leak, it is usually the clearest sign to plan a replacement.
How much more efficient is a new AC?
Efficiency standards have risen a lot. Since 1 January 2023, new split-system air conditioners installed in California (the Department of Energy’s Southwest region) must meet at least 14.3 SEER2 for most home sizes. An older system rated at 10 SEER or so uses noticeably more power to deliver the same cooling. The U.S. Department of Energy has said that replacing a 10-year-old air conditioner with an efficient new one can cut cooling energy use by 20% to 40%, depending on the home.
New systems also use newer refrigerants. Since 1 January 2025, new home AC equipment has been made with lower-impact refrigerants such as R-454B or R-32. If you have an R-410A system, that is fine – it can still be serviced normally.
Signs it is time to replace, not repair
- Your AC is over 10–15 years old and needs a major repair.
- You have called for repairs more than once in the last two summers.
- It still uses R-22 and has a refrigerant leak.
- Some rooms never cool down, or humidity feels high indoors.
- Your electricity bills keep rising while your usage has not changed.
- It is noisy, short-cycles, or struggles on the hottest days.
Signs a repair is the smart choice
- The system is under 10 years old and has been reliable.
- The fault is a single, simple part.
- The home cools evenly when it is working.
- The repair cost is small compared with a new system.
Get an honest answer before you spend money
The right call depends on your system, your home and your budget, so start with a proper diagnosis. Uplift Restoration’s technicians look at the age, condition and refrigerant type of your AC and give you a straight recommendation – repair it, or replace it – with both options explained.
Need a technician now? Book AC repair in North Hollywood, AC repair in Van Nuys or AC repair in Burbank. If it is time for a new system, see our AC installation and replacement service.
Frequently asked questions
Should I repair or replace a 15-year-old AC?
If a 15-year-old AC needs a major repair, such as a compressor or coil, replacement is usually the better value. If it only needs a small part and has been reliable, a repair can buy you more time while you plan.
How long do air conditioners last in the San Fernando Valley?
Most central ACs last 10 to 20 years. Long, hot Valley summers mean many systems work harder than average, so regular maintenance makes a real difference to how long yours lasts.
Can I still repair an AC that uses R-22?
Yes. It is legal to keep using and servicing an R-22 system, but no new R-22 has been made or imported in the U.S. since 2020. Recharging relies on existing and recycled supplies, so refrigerant repairs cost more and are harder to get.
Will a new AC lower my electric bill?
Usually, yes. New systems in California must meet higher efficiency standards than older units. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that replacing a 10-year-old AC with an efficient model can cut cooling energy use by 20% to 40%.
What should I check before deciding?
Check the age of the unit, the type of refrigerant, how often it has needed repairs, and the cost of the repair compared with a new system. A technician can give you all four in one visit.
