Repair vs replace
Repair vs replace an AC in South Palm Beach County
Homeowners hear two speeches too often: “it is fine” and “you need a new system today.” The honest middle is a look at age, coil condition, repair cost, and whether the house can get dry in this climate.
What we’d tell you first
Plain notes, the way a tech would say them on the phone. Then call or book if you want someone at the house.
- 1
No cool
Look outside. If the condenser is silent, check the breaker and the disconnect next to the unit. If the fan is running and the air at the vent is warm, or the breaker trips again, stop resetting it and call. That is a part, a coil, or a safety switch — not another thermostat click.
- 2
Humidity
A house can hit 74 and still feel wet. Dropping it to 68 just makes it run longer. Note which rooms feel clammy and whether it short-cycles. Airflow, runtime, and the drain come before a dehumidifier or a new system.
- 3
Clogged drain
Water in the air-handler closet, or a system that starts and then dies, is often the condensate line. Shut it off if water is on the floor. A simple clog sometimes clears from the outside pipe. If it comes back this week, the trap or the slope needs a look.
Questions that settle it
How old is the system? What failed? What will the repair cost relative to a new system that can keep the house dry? Is the coil metal already flaking?
Climate changes the math
A coil near the Intracoastal may be done earlier than an inland coil with the same birthday. A capacitor failure on an otherwise healthy West Boca system is usually still a repair.