Nobody wants to replace a system that a repair would fix, and nobody wants to keep pouring money into one that's done. Here's how we think it through with homeowners, the same way we would for our own house.
Signs it's worth fixing
- The system is under about 10 years old and has been reliable.
- The problem is a single, common part: a capacitor, a contactor, an igniter, a flame sensor.
- It heats and cools the house evenly, and your bills haven't crept up.
Signs it's time to start planning a replacement
- Age. Heat pumps and central air in our salty, humid climate typically last 12–15 years; gas furnaces often longer. Past that, each repair buys less time.
- The repair is a big one. A common rule of thumb: if a repair costs close to half of a new system and the unit is past 10 years old, put the money toward the new one.
- Old refrigerant. Systems installed before about 2010 often use R-22, which hasn't been made since 2020. Recharging one gets more expensive every year.
- Rising bills and uneven rooms. An older system that runs constantly and still leaves the upstairs warm in summer is costing you twice.
- Repeat calls. Two or three repairs in two seasons is the system telling you something.
What's different about new systems
Today's heat pumps and air conditioners are rated under the newer SEER2 efficiency standard, and new equipment uses newer, lower-impact refrigerants. Variable-speed heat pumps run longer at low speed, so they hold an even temperature, pull humidity out better in summer and keep heating efficiently on colder Southern Maryland nights. A heat pump paired with a gas furnace (dual fuel) is another good fit here.
Rebates and financing
If SMECO is your electric company, qualifying heat pumps and central air systems can earn a SMECO rebate, and manufacturers run their own seasonal rebates on top. We include every rebate a system qualifies for on your estimate and handle the paperwork. Flexible financing is available too. See current offers on our savings page.
Get the facts before you decide
- Compare options in a few minutes: Build your quote shows Silver through Platinum systems from American Standard, Rheem and Bosch side by side, and we send the exact price in writing.
- Already have a quote from someone else? We're happy to give a free second opinion, honestly, even if the answer is "that's a fair price."
- Every install is backed by our Craftsmanship Guarantee.
We've installed new systems all over St. Mary's and Calvert. See what we've done near you: Lexington Park, Lusby, California and Leonardtown.