Your central AC used to keep your home perfectly cool. But lately… not so much. Maybe it runs longer than it used to. Maybe it’s getting louder. Or maybe you’re starting to wonder whether it’s even worth another repair bill.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many Massachusetts homeowners find themselves asking the same question this time of year:
“Should I repair my AC — or just replace it?”
Here’s how to know when it’s time to stop pouring money into an aging system and start fresh with something more efficient, quieter, and built for our New England weather.
Your AC Is 12–15+ Years Old
Most central air conditioners last 12 to 15 years, give or take, depending on how well they were maintained. If your system is pushing that age — or older — replacement is often the smartest long-term move.
Even if it’s technically still running, the efficiency loss over time adds up in your electric bill. And with SEER2 efficiency standards improving every year, you could cut cooling costs by 20–40% with a modern system.
It’s Constantly Breaking Down
If you’re calling for repairs more than once a season (especially for major parts like capacitors, coils, or compressors), you’re in that frustrating repair spiral where the next thing always seems to go.
A good rule of thumb?
If the repair cost is more than 25–30% of the price of a new system, it’s time to consider replacement.
Not to mention: newer systems often come with 10-year warranties, so you’re not playing the repair lottery every summer.
The Air Just Doesn’t Feel Cold Anymore
If your system is running constantly but never seems to catch up — especially on the hottest days — it may be losing efficiency or struggling with low refrigerant, worn-out components, or failing sensors.
Inconsistent cooling, humidity issues, or warm rooms in a previously comfortable home are all signs your system is underperforming — and likely nearing the end.
Your Utility Bills Are Climbing
Older AC systems weren’t designed with today’s efficiency standards in mind. And once a system loses even 10–15% of its performance due to wear, it has to work harder (and longer) to cool your home. This means more electricity usage – and higher bills!
If your energy bills keep climbing even with moderate use, it could be time to replace your system with a high-efficiency SEER2-rated AC or heat pump that’s built for New England homes — and rebates.
It Still Uses R-22 (Freon)
If your system was installed before 2010, there’s a chance it still uses R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer produced in the U.S. That means any future leaks or recharges are going to be very expensive — if the refrigerant is even available at all.
If your AC tech recently said, “We can top it off, but long-term you should think about replacing it” — this is what they meant.
You’re Thinking About a Heat Pump Upgrade
Many homeowners are choosing to replace their aging AC system with a cold-climate heat pump, which provides both cooling and heating — often with Mass Save rebates up to $10,000 or more if you’re switching off oil, natural gas, propane, or electric resistance heat.
Plus, heat pumps are eligible for 0% interest HEAT Loans, and systems like Mitsubishi and Carrier are built for cold Massachusetts winters.
If your AC is nearing the end, it’s a perfect time to make the switch.
Let’s Talk About Your Options
The worst time to replace your AC is when it completely dies in the middle of a heat wave. If your system’s showing signs of age, don’t wait — let’s plan ahead and get your home summer-ready now.
At Endless Energy, we specialize in helping Massachusetts homeowners understand whether AC repair or AC replacement makes more sense — and we’ll walk your system, your home, and your budget to give you honest recommendations. We believe in options, not forced solutions.
Whether you’re sticking with traditional central AC or exploring high-efficiency heat pumps, we’ll:
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Evaluate your current system
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Provide apples-to-apples quotes
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Maximize your Mass Save rebates
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Handle all the paperwork for you
👉 Schedule your free AC or heat pump consultation now or give us a call at 508-456-8331
