When an air conditioner or heat pump stops working in the middle of a Northern Virginia summer, the first question is usually whether it's worth fixing. The answer depends on the age of the system, what failed, and how it has been performing.
As a rule of thumb, systems under ten years old with a single failed part, such as a capacitor, fan motor, or control board, are usually worth repairing. Systems past fifteen years, especially those using phased-out refrigerants or needing a compressor or coil, are often better candidates for replacement.
Comfort matters too. If some rooms are always hot or cold, if the system runs constantly, or if your energy bills keep climbing, a properly sized replacement can solve problems that repairs never will. Duct condition plays a role as well, which is why we check and clean ducts as part of the evaluation.
Our technicians give you both options in writing with honest numbers, so you can decide based on facts rather than pressure.