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Your air conditioner’s given up and now you’re faced with a choice: call out another repair tech or bite the bullet and replace the thing?
It’s a decision we see all the time here in Geelong – and it’s not always clear-cut. Sure, repairs sound cheaper on paper. But when you’re forking out every year and still can’t get your home to the right temperature, those quick fixes can stack up fast.
Let’s unpack when it’s smarter (and more cost-effective) to repair your air con … and when it’s time to let go.
Repair or replace – what’s cheaper upfront?
If we’re talking how much it’ll cost you right now, repairs usually win. A basic fix like a capacitor or a fan motor might only set you back a few hundred bucks.
But if the job’s bigger – say, a blown compressor or a refrigerant leak – you could be looking at $1,000 or more. And that’s when repair starts bumping up against the cost of a brand-new, energy-efficient system with a fresh warranty.
How old is your air conditioner?
Most air conditioners have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years – if they’ve been looked after.
Once you’re past that mark, parts get harder to find, systems run less efficiently, and the chance of regular breakdowns goes way up. And in older homes around Geelong, it’s not uncommon to see ducted units that are well past their prime.
If your air con’s been with you since the Howard government, it’s time to let it go.
What’s it costing to run your air con?
Let’s say your system is still technically working. That doesn’t mean it’s working well. Older air conditioners often suck power like there’s no tomorrow. New models – especially those with inverter tech – can use up to 40% less electricity than older units.
So while your repair might be cheaper today, you’ll be paying for it every quarter on your power bill.
Tip: If you’re running solar, upgrading to a more efficient air conditioner can help you get even more value from your system.
Are you actually comfortable?
This one’s underrated. If your system takes forever to cool or heat the house, only half works in certain rooms, or you find yourself hovering near the vent like a lizard on a heat lamp, that’s not good enough. What’s the point of having air con if it’s not keeping your home comfy?
New systems offer zoning, WiFi control, smart timers – and, most importantly, condition every room evenly. Plus, they’re quicker to respond, quieter to run, and won’t leave you sweating (or shivering) while they catch up. When your air con actually does its job properly, you feel the difference.
How often is it breaking down?
If this isn’t your first rodeo with repairs, that’s a red flag. One fix? Fair enough. Two or three in the same year? You’re throwing money away.
Plus, you’ll be dealing with the same issue again next month.
A reliable system gives you peace of mind, not a permanent spot on your technician’s Christmas card list. In this case, time to upgrade to a new system.
New refrigerants: the greener picture
Refrigerants are working fluids used in air conditioners to absorb heat from inside your home and release it outside, making the cooling process possible.
Old air conditioners often run on outdated refrigerants that are worse for the environment (and more expensive to top up). New systems use R32, which has a lower global warming potential and is easier to recycle.
They’re also way more energy efficient, meaning less strain on the grid and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Another reason to upgrade your air con if you’re running an old system.
Quick checklist: repair or replace?
Still not sure? Here’s a handy way to decide.
Repair might make sense if:
- Your unit is under 8 years old
- The repair costs less than $300
- It’s the first time it’s failed
It’s probably time for a new air con if:
- It breaks down more than once a year
- Your power bills are climbing
- The unit’s over 10–12 years old
- The repair is over $1,000
- You’re not comfortable in your own home
Either way, it’s a good idea to get advice from your local specialists – like the team at Too Hot to Handle. They’ll help you decide whether a repair or replacement is best.
Still scratching your head?
We get it. It’s not always a black-and-white decision – that’s why we offer honest, no-pressure advice. If a repair makes sense, we’ll do it. If replacement is the better option, we’ll talk you through the choices and give you a clear quote.
Too Hot To Handle installs and services split systems, ducted air conditioning, and energy-efficient upgrades across Geelong and the Surf Coast. We’ve helped heaps of local homeowners fix their systems or switch to one that not only works better, but costs less to run and rarely breaks down.
Get in touch for a quick chat or a free quote, so we can help you make the call that actually saves you money.
