AC Replacement

Repair or replace? Start with the 5,000 rule

Multiply your AC's age in years by the repair cost. If the result is more than $5,000, replacement usually makes more financial sense than repair. For high-efficiency equipment, use $7,500 as the threshold because parts cost more. Replacement is also the better call when:

• The unit is 10 or more years old. In our climate that is the back half of an AC's life, especially near the coast.
• The repair costs more than 30 to 40 percent of a new system. Compressor and coil failures on older units often cross this line.
• You've had two or more major failures in 24 months. Repeat compressor, coil or control-board failures usually mean more are coming.
• Your bills keep rising and some rooms never get comfortable. Older, less efficient equipment works harder for worse results.
• Your system uses R-22 refrigerant. R-22 is no longer produced, so recharging an older system is increasingly expensive.

How long AC units last in Palm Beach County

A properly maintained air conditioner here typically lasts 8 to 12 years in coastal cities like Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth and West Palm Beach, and 10 to 14 years in inland areas like Wellington and Royal Palm Beach. That is shorter than the 10 to 15-year national average because systems run 10 to 11 months a year, and salt air corrodes outdoor coils near the ocean. Twice-a-year maintenance can extend a system's life by 30 to 40 percent in this climate.

What a new AC system costs

Typical installed prices for a complete residential system replacement in Palm Beach County:

• 3-ton residential system: $5,500 to $9,500 installed
• 4 to 5-ton residential system: $7,500 to $15,000 installed
• Large 5-ton premium systems: up to about $16,000 installed

Your price depends on:

• System size. Tonnage is set by your home's square footage, layout, insulation and sun exposure.
• Efficiency tier. Single-stage, two-stage and variable-speed systems differ in price and in how much they save on your bill.
• Ductwork. Leaky, undersized or damaged ducts may need repair for a new system to perform.
• HOA and condo rules. Some communities require specific brands or mounting locations.
• Coastal location. Homes near the ocean benefit from outdoor coils with corrosion-resistant coatings.

Financing is available. Ask about options when we give you your quote.

Why replace your AC with Gulfstream Cooling

• Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer. Access to Bryant's full line of air conditioners and heat pumps, installed to factory standards.
• NATE-certified technicians. Our installers hold North American Technician Excellence certification.
• Sized to your home. We size the new system to your house, not just to the old unit. Properly sized and charged systems last significantly longer.
• Permits and HOA paperwork handled. AC replacement requires a Palm Beach County mechanical permit. We pull it, and we handle HOA approval when your community needs it.
• Licensed and local. Florida state-licensed contractor CAC#1813551, serving Palm Beach County.
• Financing available. Flexible financing options to spread out the cost of a new system.

How AC replacement works

1. Assessment. A technician inspects your current system, ductwork and home, and tells you honestly whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
2. Options and written quote. We walk you through equipment choices at different efficiency levels and give you a written price.
3. Permit and HOA approval. We file the Palm Beach County mechanical permit and any HOA paperwork.
4. Installation. We remove the old equipment, install the new system and connect it to your ductwork, drain and electrical.
5. Startup and testing. We check refrigerant charge, airflow, drainage and thermostat operation, and walk you through the new system.
6. Ongoing care. Protect your investment with the Gulfstream Cooling Maintenance Plan's spring and fall tune-ups.