Oregon summers love to keep us guessing, don’t they? You’re relaxing under gentle breezes one week, and the next one leaves you scrambling for relief as the thermometer soars. When the heat finally hits, your air conditioning needs to step up. But what happens when your AC sputters under the burden or just can’t keep up?
Every summer, homeowners across the greater Portland area face the same question: Repair my AC system or replace it? So, are you staring at your AC in bewilderment, wondering what to do? If yes, you’ve landed in the right place. We’ll help you find the smartest and comfiest path this year.
Let’s walk through the decision together, so you breeze through summer with confidence with the right AC system by your side.
The Age of Your AC Unit: A Good Starting Point
How old is your AC? That’s the first question you will ask. Most central air conditioners often run strong for about 10 to 15 years. As the years pile up, the AC’s efficiency drops. Repairs start to pop up more often than they should. So, if your AC unit has just celebrated its tenth birthday, it’s time to be cautious and pay extra attention.
Grab your flashlight and check the installation date on the unit’s data plate. If you spot a number that puts your AC unit well into its teens, start planning for a replacement unit. Keep in mind that older units must work harder and use more energy to keep up with the pestering summer heat. An old AC also breaks down when you need it the most. Even if you haven’t noticed any major problems yet, an aging system may surprise you with an inconvenient breakdown when a major heatwave strikes. So, know when your AC’s time is up!
Portland’s unique climate has a mix of warm, sometimes hot days and cool nights. It puts extra strain on older systems. If your AC sits in that 10- to 15-year range, keep a close eye on its performance as the hot season approaches, comparing the cost of AC repair and replacement.
| Consideration | Repairing Your AC | Replacing Your AC |
| Typical Cost | $200 – $3,000 (avg. $500+) | $5,000 – $8,000 (avg. $6,000) |
| When to Consider | Minor issues, unit under 10 years old | Repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement price, unit 12–20+ years old |
| Energy Efficiency | Lower (older units use more energy) | Higher (new models offer lower monthly bills) |
| Frequency of Service | May require frequent or emergency repairs | Fewer repairs, new warranty coverage |
| Parts Availability | Harder to find for older units | Readily available, easier maintenance |
| Hidden Costs | Higher energy bills, rising repair costs | Upfront investment, long-term savings |
| Overall Value | Short-term fixes may cost more over time | Long-term comfort, reliability, and efficiency |
How Often Are You Repairing It?
The next question is: How often do you repair your AC? Only 30% of Americans schedule HVAC maintenance, a study claims. So, considering these factors:
- Count Service Calls: Have you called for help more than twice in the past season? If yes, then your AC might be waving a white flag. Frequent repairs pile up fast in dollars & stress. Nobody wants to sweat through a surprise breakdown during a heatwave.
- Consider Peace of Mind: Do you find yourself worrying every time you turn on the AC? A new system will bring peace of mind. Sometimes, replacing will cost less than chasing repairs all summer (in the long run). Plus, a new system has warranties that cover parts and labor.
- Track History of Repairs: If you notice a pattern (like the same part failing repeatedly or new issues popping up every year), it’s time to move on.
Comfort & Performance Issues
Oregon is getting warmer over time, and every year the summer season becomes a little more unbearable. Make sure that your AC is keeping up. Are you noticing these signs?
- Uneven cooling; one room feels like the Arctic, another like the Sahara.
- Long cooling cycles; the AC runs nonstop but never catches up.
- Odd noises or funky smells-grinding, squealing, or musty odors.
- Warm air blows from vents even when the thermostat calls for cool.
These symptoms indicate that bigger problems are lurking. Older systems may struggle to work with smart thermostats. So, you can miss out on modern comfort and energy savings. If your AC isn’t keeping up or keeps acting up, it might be time for an upgrade.
With newer air-conditioning systems, you’ll get access to advanced features like these:
- Variable-speed fans
- Humidity control
- Zoning options
Common Issues That Need Repair
But not every hiccup means you need a new system. Some common issues require repairs. For instance, these issues:
- Refrigerant leaks: Fixable, unless they keep coming back.
- Frozen evaporator coils: Often caused by airflow or refrigerant problems.
- Clogged drain lines: Lead to water leaks, but we clear them fast.
- Electrical issues: Bad relays, wiring, or capacitors.
- Malfunctioning thermostats: Sometimes a quick swap solves everything.
- Dirty or worn-out air filters: Easy to change, but crucial for performance.
Other fixable problems include worn blower motors, damaged ductwork, faulty sensors, etc.
When Repairs Make the Most Sense
Want technicians to repair the AC? Choose HVAC unit repairs when your system:
- Still sits comfortably under ten years old.
- Hasn’t needed much attention before.
- Faces a one-time, isolated issue.
- Still enjoys warranty coverage.
- Uses parts that our team will quickly source.
A quick fix restores your comfort in these cases and keeps your AC humming along.
When to Say Goodbye to Your Old Unit
Sometimes, however, letting go seems to be the right option, especially if your AC:
- Surpasses the 10–15 year mark.
- Struggles to cool your home.
- Runs up your energy bills.
- Breaks down often or racks up expensive repairs.
- Leaves you sweating through the hottest days.
A new system will bring relief and reliability (while also lowering your bills). Modern ACs handle humidity better, connect with smart thermostats, and run quieter than ever. Investing in new units helps you avoid mid-summer emergencies, giving you peace of mind all season.
New systems often qualify for rebates and incentives that lower your upfront costs. So, our team can help you navigate your options and find the best fit for your home and budget.
Bull Mountain Heating & Cooling’s Expert Take
At Bull Mountain Heating & Cooling, we believe every home deserves a custom AC solution in Oregon. Our HVAC experts treat you like a neighbor, since they grew up right here in Tigard and Portland. We have built our reputation on honesty, quality, and real community care.
We always look for the fix first. If a repair makes sense, we handle it quickly. We’ll also explain everything along the way. We only recommend a replacement when it offers you better value. No pressure or gimmicks, that’s our MO. Moreover, our highly trained technicians know the latest systems and warranty practices, so you get the best service every time.
Our preventative maintenance programs keep your AC running strong during a heatwave. With transparent pricing, we offer free estimates, especially when you want to explore new HVAC options. Don’t wait for the first heatwave to test your luck. Contact Bull Mountain Heating & Cooling today, and let’s get your AC summer-ready!