How long does an AC last in Louisiana?

Because systems here run most of the year, many start needing bigger repairs somewhere in the 10 to 15 year range. Maintenance makes a big difference.

Is it worth repairing an R-22 AC system?

For a small repair, sometimes. For a refrigerant leak or a major part, it often makes more sense to replace, because R-22 is no longer made and is expensive.

Repair or replace your AC? How to decide in Slidell

Nobody wants to buy a new AC. But nobody wants to keep pouring money into an old one either. Here's how we help people decide, and it's the same way we'd decide for our own house.

Start with the age

In South Louisiana, an AC runs most of the year, so equipment tends to wear out sooner than it would up north. A system that's 10 to 15 years old is getting into the range where we start talking about the future. That doesn't mean replace it today. It means start planning, so you're not forced into a decision in the middle of August.

Look at the repair cost

A small repair on a system in good shape is almost always worth doing. A big repair on an old system, like a compressor or a coil, is where it gets harder. Ask yourself: if I spend this, how many more years am I really buying?

Check what refrigerant it uses

Older systems often use R-22, which is no longer made in the U.S. What's left is expensive. If an R-22 system has a leak, repairs can get costly fast, and that often tips the decision toward replacing.

How often is it breaking?

One repair in five years is normal. Three repairs in two summers is a pattern. If you're calling every season, that's worth weighing.

Is the house actually comfortable?

Sometimes the system technically works, but the upstairs never cools, the house feels sticky, or the power bill keeps climbing. That can be a sizing problem, a ductwork problem, or just worn-out equipment. A new system can fix it, but only if the cause is found first. Read: why does my house feel sticky?

What we do

We don't have commission salespeople. When we look at your system, we lay out both choices, repair or replace, with prices in writing, and tell you honestly which one we'd pick. If you already have a quote from another company, we'll give you a free 2nd opinion.

Small repair, system under 10 years old, house comfortable: repair it.
Big repair, older system, R-22, frequent breakdowns: get a replacement estimate and compare.
Not sure: ask us to show you both, side by side.

Estimates on new systems are free, and financing is available. See our installation page for what that process looks like.