Should You Replace or Repair Your Air Conditioner?

Should You Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner?

If your AC is breaking down more than once per cooling season, struggling to keep up on hot days, or driving up your energy bills, it may be time to replace rather than repair. Below, Reliance^® walks you through four signs that help you make the right call.

Start With the Basics: Is Your AC Getting the Maintenance It Needs?

Before you weigh repair against replacement, make sure your current system is actually getting a fair shot. Keeping your heating and cooling (HVAC) maintenance schedule on track goes a long way. That means regularly cleaning air filters so the entire system runs as efficiently as possible, keeping debris to a minimum inside your AC unit, and clearing anything around the unit that could block airflow.

If you’re already doing all of that and still running into problems, it’s time to ask some harder questions.

Four Signs It’s Time to Replace Your AC

1. You’re Paying for Repairs More Than Once a Cooling Season

One repair call in a summer is normal wear and tear. Two or more starts to signal something deeper. Watch for these red flags:

• Your AC is constantly breaking down
• Major components like the compressor or condenser are failing
• It’s not cooling your home the way you’d like it to
• It’s operating noticeably louder than it used to

Any one of these on its own is worth investigating. If you’re seeing a combination, replacement is likely the more cost-effective path. Our technical experts will give you a balanced assessment of your unit’s condition and whether it will see you through another season. If replacement is recommended, a consultation with one of our knowledgeable Home Comfort Advisors will help you find the right option for your home.

2. Your Unit Is Getting Up There in Age

Older AC units aren’t just less efficient than today’s models. Years of use on internal components make them more likely to break down, and when they do, replacement parts can be harder to source and more expensive to install. If your system is aging and repairs are becoming a recurring line item, the math usually favours replacement.

3. Your Energy Bills Are Higher Than They Should Be

A new AC unit may feel like a big investment, but compared to a non-ENERGY STAR^® model, an ENERGY STAR^®-certified central air conditioner can deliver meaningful savings on energy costs. According to the Government of Canada, upgrading to an ENERGY STAR^® model can reduce cooling energy use by upwards of 20%.¹ On average, ENERGY STAR^®-certified central-air units save 8% compared to standard models.²

A newer, more efficient system also helps curb the environmental toll that HVAC use can take. Be sure to check our Rebates page to see if there are any current rebates for AC equipment in your area.

Not in a position to pay for a new system upfront? Consider renting. You won’t have to worry about upfront costs, ongoing maintenance, or expensive repairs.

4. Your AC Is the Wrong Size for Your Space

This one catches a lot of homeowners off guard. An AC that’s too large or too small for your space will underperform no matter how well it’s maintained.

• Oversized units can cool your home too quickly without removing excess humidity, which leaves your space cool and damp. Over time, that can promote mould growth, stains on walls, ceilings, and floors, and musty odours.
• Undersized units will struggle to keep you comfortable on the hottest days, running constantly without ever reaching the temperature you’ve set.

As the Government of Canada notes, “oversizing is clearly detrimental to comfort, cost of operation and equipment performance.”³ If your current unit was never properly sized for your home, replacing it with the right fit will make a bigger difference than any repair.

Still Not Sure? Let Us Take a Look

If you’re on the fence, that’s exactly what we’re here for. Whether you’re repairing or replacing, Reliance has the knowledge, tools, and resources to help. Call us or book online for a free in-home consultation, and one of our knowledgeable Home Comfort Advisors will walk you through the best option for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I should repair or replace my air conditioner?
If your AC is breaking down more than once per cooling season, has failing major components like the compressor or condenser, is no longer cooling your home effectively, or is operating louder than usual, it may be time to replace rather than repair.

How much energy can a new ENERGY STAR^® air conditioner save?
According to the Government of Canada, upgrading to an ENERGY STAR^®-certified central air conditioner can reduce cooling energy use by upwards of 20% compared to a non-ENERGY STAR^® model. On average, ENERGY STAR^®-certified units save 8% compared to standard models.

What happens if my AC is too big or too small for my home?
An oversized AC can cool your home too quickly without removing excess humidity, leading to mould growth, stains, and musty odours. An undersized unit will struggle to keep you comfortable on the hottest days. Proper sizing is essential for comfort, efficiency, and equipment performance.

Is it worth replacing an old air conditioner?
Older AC units are less efficient than current models and more likely to break down due to years of wear on internal components. If repairs are becoming a recurring cost, replacing with a newer, properly sized unit is usually the more cost-effective long-term choice.

Can I rent an air conditioner instead of buying one?
Yes. Renting an air conditioner means you won’t have to worry about upfront costs, ongoing maintenance, or expensive repairs. It can be a practical option for homeowners who need a new system but aren’t in a position to pay in full.

¹ Government of Canada, Mar. 6, 2019. “Central Air Conditioners.”
² Government of Canada, Natural Resources Canada. ENERGY STAR^® certified central-air AC savings.
³ Government of Canada, Oct. 24, 2018. “Keeping the Heat In — Chapter 9: Operating your house.”

If you’re curious about the best AC option for your particular cooling needs, visit our Ultimate Air Conditioning Guide and then Call on Reliance^™. Whether you’re repairing or replacing, we’ve got the knowledge, tools and resources to help!

¹Government of Canada, Mar.6, 2019. “Central Air Conditioners.”
²Government of Canada, Oct.24, 2018. “Keeping the Heat In—Chapter 9: Operating your house.”