The 50 Percent Rule, Plain English

Take the proposed repair cost. Add what you reasonably expect to spend on this system in the next 3 years (a guess based on age and condition). Compare that total to the cost of a new equivalent system installed. If the repair-plus-future is more than 50 percent of new, replacement is the better long-term move.

Example: 14-year-old 3-ton system, blower motor failed, a mid three-figure repair. Capacitor replaced 2 years ago. Compressor original. Likely next-3-year repairs are a few hundred more (capacitor again, contactor, possible compressor weakness). The repair plus expected repairs still comes in well under half the cost of a new 3-ton system installed in Henderson. Repair wins on the math.

Equipment Age as a Filter

0 to 8 years: almost always repair. Components fail, that's life. The compressor and condenser coil are typically robust through year 12. Repair is the right answer at this age range with very few exceptions.

8 to 12 years: depends on the failed component and refrigerant type. R-410A systems repair well at this age. R-22 systems get expensive because R-22 is now costly per pound when available, and a leak can run into four figures in refrigerant alone.

12 to 15 years: the gray zone. Run the math carefully. Major component failures (compressor, condenser coil, evaporator coil) on 13+ year systems often tip toward replacement, especially on R-22.

15+ years: replacement is usually right. Components are tired, efficiency has degraded, and any major repair is throwing money at a system on borrowed time.

R-22 vs R-410A vs R-454B

R-22 was phased out for new equipment in 2010 and is no longer manufactured. Existing stock is what's left. Pricing is volatile and steep per pound. A leak repair on an R-22 system can cost more in refrigerant than the labor.

R-410A was the post-2010 standard. Plentiful, reasonably priced, but is being phased down starting 2025 under the AIM Act in favor of lower-GWP refrigerants. R-410A systems should run fine for their full equipment life.

R-454B is the new standard for residential equipment manufactured 2025+. Slightly different handling requirements, fully supported in the field. New installations in Henderson are now mostly R-454B.

What Henderson Climate Does to AC Lifespans

Henderson HVAC works hard. From late May through September, condensers run 12 to 18 hours per day at 105 to 115 degrees outdoor. Capacitors fail more often than in coastal climates. Condenser fan motor bearings wear faster.

Expected residential equipment life in Henderson: 12 to 16 years for the condenser, 15 to 20 years for the air handler/furnace. Compressors are the biggest variable: well-maintained units make 14 to 18 years; neglected units fail at 8 to 12.

Maintenance compounds. Twice-yearly tune-ups (pre-summer and pre-winter) typically extend life by 3 to 5 years. Filter changes every 60 to 90 days for 1-inch filters, every 12 to 18 months for 4 or 5-inch media.

How We Run the Math When You Call Us

We measure first: refrigerant pressures, electrical readings, blower motor amp draw, static pressure. We document the existing system specs (size, refrigerant, age, brand). We quote the repair separately from any replacement option.

If replacement is on the table, we provide 2 or 3 equipment options at different efficiency tiers (14 SEER2, 16 SEER2, 18+ SEER2 with variable speed) so you can see the comparative trade-offs. Energy savings projections are based on Nevada Power rates and your historical bills, not on a sales-pitch spreadsheet. We tell you when repair is the better answer, even when replacement would be a bigger sale for us.

Henderson HVAC FAQ

My AC stopped cooling. Repair or replace?

Diagnostic first. The most common stopped-cooling causes (capacitor, contactor, low refrigerant from a small leak) are repair-territory regardless of equipment age. We measure before quoting.

How long does a Henderson AC system last?

12 to 16 years for the condenser, 15 to 20 years for the air handler. Maintenance extends both. Lack of maintenance shortens both.

What does a new Henderson AC system cost?

Residential 3-ton for standard 14 to 16 SEER2 is a mid five-figure job. Variable-speed and high-efficiency systems sit higher. Quote depends on existing ductwork condition, electrical, and code requirements.

Do you offer financing?

Yes, through our financing partners. Approved credit gets 0 percent for 12 to 24 months on most equipment purchases. Longer terms with interest are also available.

Will repairing actually keep my system running another year?

Usually yes if the underlying system is reasonably healthy. Diagnostic includes a full health check so we can flag other components likely to fail soon. We tell you what we see.

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