Troubleshooting Tips, Cost Breakdown & When to Call a Pro
If your central air conditioning system isn’t keeping up with the Greenville heat, you’re probably wondering: Should I fix this thing, or is it time for a new one?
It’s a common question, and you’re not alone because we have these types of conversations with homeowners and provide them best possible solutions on a regular basis. Here are some of the signs, costs, and simple ways to figure out if repair or replacement is the smarter move for your Greenville area home (and budget).
1. Is Your AC Blowing Warm Air or Just Not Cooling?
Before anything else, ask yourself some of these questions:
- Is the system blowing warm air?
- Constantly running but never reaching your set temp?
These are often repairable issues. Sometimes it’s a clogged filter, low refrigerant, or a bad capacitor.
Try this first:
- Check your thermostat batteries
- Swap out the air filter
- Look for ice buildup on the indoor coil
If the system is running, but your home still feels like a sauna, it’s time to call in the pros at Air Repair AL for a diagnostic.
Local Pro Tip: Greenville summers are hot and humid. A sluggish system could be working overtime just to fight off the humidity. That adds wear-and-tear fast.
2. Repair or Replace? Look at the Age of the Unit
Most central AC systems last 10–15 years. If yours is approaching the end of that range and breaking down often, a new installation might actually save you money long-term.
Quick Rule of Thumb: If the cost of the repair is more than 50% of the cost of a new unit and your system is more than 10 years old, replacement is usually the better option.
Signs It’s Time to Replace:
- Your energy bills keep rising
- You’ve had multiple repairs in the last 2 years
- It uses R-22 refrigerant (now phased out)
- Uneven cooling or weak airflow
- Loud noises or odd smells
Signs You Might Just Need a Repair:
- Thermostat problems
- Bad capacitor or contactor
- Clogged drain line
- Minor refrigerant leak
- Dirty condenser or evaporator coil
3. How Much Does AC Repair Cost in Greenville?
Here’s what most homeowners around Greenville, SC can expect:
- Diagnostic visit: $89–$129
- Capacitor replacement: $150–$300
- Refrigerant recharge: $200–$600 (depending on type and amount)
- Compressor repair/replacement: $1,000+
Repairs can add up fast, especially if your unit is out of warranty.
4. What Does a New Air Conditioning Installation Cost?
In Greenville, a typical central AC replacement ranges from $5,500 to $15,000, depending on the type of system you are looking for, the size of your home, ductwork, and efficiency rating.
The good news? New systems come with:
- Up to 10-year warranties
- Better humidity control
- Quieter operation
- Lower monthly energy bills (up to 30% savings in some homes)
There may even be some tax and energy incentives availalble in the Greenville area that we can help with.
5. What Homeowners in Greenville Ask Us Most
“Will a new AC really lower my energy bill?”
Yes. Older systems tend to be 10 SEER or lower. New models are 14 SEER2 and up – which means they use a lot less energy for the same (or better) comfort.
“How long does it take to install a new system?”
Usually just one day for most homes. We do all the heavy lifting.
“Can I finance a replacement system?”
Absolutely. We offer flexible financing options with low monthly payments for qualified buyers.
“What if I just want it fixed today?”
We offer fast, reliable AC repair service across Greenville, and we always aim to get your system cooling again ASAP.
Final Thought: Don’t Keep Pouring Money Into a Dying Unit
A new AC unit might feel like a big step, but if you’re constantly calling for repairs, it’s worth considering the bigger picture. We’ll always give you honest answers about what’s best for your home. Whether that’s a quick fix or a full upgrade.
Ready to Know for Sure?
Schedule an AC Diagnostic Visit today and we’ll give you straight-up answers on whether repair or new install makes more sense for your Greenville home. Call 864-251-5309 and we’ll help you beat the heat or contact us online with any questions.
Serving Greenville, Berea, Simpsonville, Greer, Mauldin, and the entire Upstate.