When an air conditioner fails, the first question is always what's wrong. The second, especially on an older system, is whether it's worth fixing. There's no single answer, but there are a few honest ways to think it through.
Start with age. Most central air conditioners and heat pumps last somewhere between twelve and fifteen years in Virginia's climate. A simple repair on a six-year-old system is almost always worth it. A major repair, like a compressor or coil, on a fifteen-year-old system often isn't.
Next, look at repair history and running costs. If you've paid for several repairs in the last few years, or your summer electric bills keep climbing, the system is telling you something. Newer equipment is considerably more efficient than units installed fifteen years ago.
Finally, get a clear diagnosis and a written price for both options. At E & J Mechanical we explain what failed, price the repair, and tell you honestly if a change-out makes more sense. The decision is yours, and you make it with real numbers in front of you.