No Cooling in Hamilton: Repair or Replace a 12-Year-Old AC?

A homeowner in Hamilton, Ontario contacted AirPro Heating & Cooling after their central air conditioner stopped cooling the home.

The system was approximately 12 years old, so our first step was to determine whether the problem could be repaired economically or whether replacement would make more sense.

After testing the system, we found problems with both the compressor and capacitor. With the compressor involved, this was no longer a minor AC repair.

Diagnosing the No-Cooling Problem

When an air conditioner is running but not producing cold air—or fails to operate properly at all—the cause can range from a relatively inexpensive electrical component to a major refrigeration-system failure.

During our diagnostic inspection, we checked the electrical components and operation of the outdoor condensing unit.

Testing showed that the capacitor was defective and the compressor had also failed.

A capacitor by itself is normally a repairable component and does not mean an air conditioner needs to be replaced. In this case, however, the compressor failure significantly changed the repair decision.

Repair Cost Was Over $2,000

Replacing a compressor is one of the more expensive repairs that can be required on a central air-conditioning system.

For this 12-year-old unit, completing the required repairs would have cost the homeowner more than $2,000.

Age alone doesn't mean an air conditioner should automatically be replaced. If an older system needs a relatively inexpensive repair and the rest of the equipment is in good condition, repairing it can still make sense.

But when a major component such as the compressor fails, it is worth comparing the repair cost with the cost and expected life of a new system.

In this case, the homeowner decided that investing more than $2,000 into the existing 12-year-old AC wasn't the best long-term option.

The Homeowner Chose AC Replacement

After discussing the available options, the homeowner decided to replace the old air conditioner with a new Lennox central AC system.

We removed the existing outdoor unit and prepared the installation area for the replacement equipment.

A proper installation isn't simply a matter of putting the new condenser where the old one was. The equipment needs a stable and level base, proper electrical connections, correct refrigerant piping, condensate drainage and adequate clearance for airflow and future servicing.

The new equipment pad was positioned and leveled before the Lennox outdoor unit was installed.

New Lennox AC Installation in Hamilton

Once the new Lennox air conditioner was in place, we completed the refrigeration and electrical connections and commissioned the system.

Before completing an AC replacement, we verify system operation to make sure the new equipment is cooling properly and operating as intended.

The homeowner now has a new cooling system rather than putting a significant amount of money into a major repair on the previous 12-year-old unit.

Should You Repair or Replace an Older Air Conditioner?

There isn't one answer that applies to every AC failure.

A capacitor, contactor, thermostat or other relatively minor problem will often make repair the obvious choice, even on an older system.

The decision becomes different when the system has a failed compressor, refrigerant leak, damaged coil or another expensive problem.

Some of the factors we consider include:

• Age and overall condition of the existing AC

• Cost of the required repair

• Type of component that failed

• Repair history of the equipment

• Availability and cost of replacement parts

• Efficiency and expected remaining life of the existing system

• Cost of replacing the equipment

For this Hamilton homeowner, the combination of a 12-year-old system, failed compressor and $2,000+ repair estimate made replacement the preferred option.

AC Repair & Replacement in Hamilton

If your air conditioner isn't cooling, it doesn't automatically mean you need a new system.

AirPro Heating & Cooling provides AC diagnostics, repair and replacement in Hamilton and surrounding areas. We inspect the equipment first, identify the actual cause of the problem and explain the available repair or replacement options.

Whether the problem is a capacitor, electrical component, refrigerant issue, compressor failure or another AC problem, the goal is to find the solution that makes the most sense for the condition of the system.

Need AC service in Hamilton? Contact AirPro Heating & Cooling to schedule AC diagnosis or repair.