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AC system replacement & upgrades swap old units for high-efficiency models that improve comfort and lower bills.
We're honest about when replacement makes more sense than repair. Here's when it's time for a new system.
Age 15+ Years
AC systems last 12-15 years. After that, efficiency drops and repairs become frequent. A 20-year-old AC is living on borrowed time.
Uses R-22 Refrigerant
R-22 production stopped in 2020. It now costs $100-150/lb. A full recharge can cost $800+. That money is better spent on a new system with R-410A refrigerant.
Repair Cost Over $2,000
If the repair costs more than half the price of a new system, replacement is smarter. You're investing in old technology that will break again soon.
SEER 8-10 Efficiency
Old AC systems with SEER ratings of 8-10 waste massive amounts of electricity. A new 16 SEER system cuts your cooling costs by 37-50%.
Age Under 10 Years
A well-maintained AC under 10 years old has plenty of life left. Most repairs at this age are cost-effective.
Minor Repair Under $500
Small repairs like capacitor replacement, contactor replacement, or refrigerant top-off make sense on newer systems.
High SEER Rating (14+)
If your system already has a SEER 14-16+ rating, repairing it preserves your efficient system rather than starting over.
Still Under Warranty
If major components like the compressor are still under warranty, repair costs drop dramatically. We'll handle warranty claims for you.
Bernie's Promise: We'll never sell you a new system if a repair makes more financial sense. We make money either way - we'd rather you trust us for the long haul.
Higher SEER ratings mean lower electric bills. Here's what a SEER upgrade saves you in real Chicago dollars.
Typical 15+ year old AC
$800
Annual cooling cost for typical Chicago home
Modern high-efficiency AC
$500
Annual cooling cost with new efficiency
$300/Year Savings
That's 37.5% Less on Cooling Costs
Over 10 years, that's $3,000 in your pocket instead of ComEd's. A SEER 16 system often pays for itself in 5-8 years just from energy savings alone.
Absolutely. If your furnace needs replacement and your AC is 10+ years old, replace both at the same time. Here's why it makes financial sense:
Our technician is already at your house working on your HVAC system. Installing both at once eliminates duplicate labor, permits, and trips. You save serious money on installation costs.
AC and furnace from the same manufacturer, designed to work together, operate more efficiently than mismatched equipment. The blower motor, airflow, and controls are optimized for peak performance.
Both systems start their warranties at the same time. In 10 years when they're both getting old, you can replace both again instead of dealing with one old, one new system.
HVAC installation is disruptive - technicians in your basement, noise, dust. Do it once. Get it over with. Enjoy 15 years of worry-free heating and cooling.
Furnace + AC Separately
$9,000 - $14,000
Installed at different times
Furnace + AC Together
$7,500 - $12,000
Combo installation discount
Typical Savings: $1,000 - $1,500
Plus matched system efficiency gains and synchronized warranties
If your AC uses R-22 refrigerant and needs a recharge, we need to have an honest conversation about replacement.
R-22 production stopped completely due to environmental regulations
Cost per pound of R-22 (was $10-20/lb before phase-out)
Cost to recharge a leaking R-22 system (and it will leak again)
No new R-22 is being produced. What's left is reclaimed refrigerant from old systems, and it's running out fast. Prices will only go up from here.
Most R-22 recharges are needed because of a leak. Even if we find and fix the leak, the system is old. It will develop another leak. You'll pay $400-800 every few years.
R-410A operates at higher pressure. Your old R-22 system isn't built to handle it. The only solution is a complete system replacement.
If your AC uses R-22, it's at least 15 years old with a SEER rating around 8-10. A new system will cut your cooling costs by 40-50% while providing better comfort.
Our Honest Assessment:
If your R-22 system needs refrigerant, spend that $400-800 on a down payment for a new system instead. You'll get a modern, efficient AC with R-410A refrigerant that's cheap and widely available.
AC replacement is fast and efficient. Most systems are installed in one day with minimal disruption to your home.
We evaluate your old system, measure your home, and recommend the right replacement based on your needs and budget.
We safely recover refrigerant, disconnect old equipment, and remove the condenser and evaporator coil from your home.
We install the new condenser, evaporator coil, line set, and electrical connections. Everything is properly sized and sealed.
We evacuate air and moisture from the system, then charge it with the precise amount of R-410A refrigerant.
We test airflow, temperature drop, and system operation. Then we walk you through your new system and register your warranty.
Standard replacements take 4-8 hours. We often complete installations in a single day.
We register your system with the manufacturer and provide all documentation for your records.
We haul away your old equipment and leave your property clean. You won't know we were there.
See how replacement costs compare to ongoing repair and energy costs over time.
| Scenario | Initial Cost | Annual Energy | Repairs (5 years) | 5-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Keep Old R-22 System SEER 10, 15+ years old | $800 (R-22 recharge) | $800/year | $2,500 (more leaks, parts) | $7,300 |
Replace with Budget System SEER 14-15, new equipment | $3,500-$5,500 | $570/year | $200 (minimal, under warranty) | $6,550 |
Replace with High-Efficiency SEER 16-18, premium comfort | $4,500-$7,000 | $500/year | $150 (minimal, under warranty) | $7,150 |
After Just 5 Years, Replacement Pays for Itself
And you get 10+ more years of reliable, efficient cooling. The old system? It's still breaking down and wasting energy.
Upfront, honest pricing for AC replacement in Chicago. No hidden fees or surprises.
Standard efficiency, reliable brands
$3,500 - $5,500
High efficiency, better comfort
$4,500 - $7,000
Ultra-efficient, maximum comfort
$6,000 - $9,000
If you insist on keeping your old R-22 system: $400-$800
We strongly recommend replacement instead. This is a temporary fix that will cost you more in the long run due to repeated leaks and high refrigerant costs.
All Prices Include:
Complete system removal, professional installation, refrigerant charge, startup, testing, warranty registration, and cleanup. No hidden fees.
High-efficiency AC systems qualify for rebates and tax credits that reduce your upfront cost. We handle all the paperwork.
Systems with 16+ SEER qualify for ComEd rebates. Higher efficiency = larger rebate. We submit the paperwork on your behalf.
High-efficiency systems may qualify for federal tax credits up to $600. We provide documentation you need to claim credits when you file taxes.
Equipment manufacturers often run seasonal promotions with additional rebates. Ask us about current offers when you schedule your estimate.
We offer financing options with low monthly payments. In many cases, your monthly payment is less than your energy savings, meaning your new AC pays for itself.
System Cost
$5,500
Mid-range 16 SEER replacement
Plus, save $300/year on electricity vs your old system
Replace your AC if it's 15+ years old, uses R-22 refrigerant (phased out in 2020), needs repairs costing more than $2,000, or has a SEER rating below 10. The energy savings from a new 16+ SEER system often pays for the replacement in 5-8 years.
Budget replacement systems cost $3,500-$5,500, mid-range systems $4,500-$7,000, and premium high-efficiency systems $6,000-$9,000. The exact cost depends on system size, SEER rating, and installation complexity. We provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees.
R-22 refrigerant production stopped in 2020 due to environmental regulations. Existing R-22 is scarce and expensive ($100-150/lb). If your AC uses R-22 and needs refrigerant, replacing the entire system with an R-410A model is usually more cost-effective than recharging with expensive R-22.
Upgrading from a SEER 10 system to SEER 16 provides 37.5% energy savings. For a typical Chicago home spending $800/year on AC, that's $300/year in savings. Over 10 years, a new high-efficiency system can save $3,000+ in electricity costs.
Yes. Replacing both at once saves $800-$1,200 in labor costs because the technician is already there working on your HVAC system. Plus, matched systems (same brand, designed together) work more efficiently and last longer than mismatched equipment.
ComEd offers rebates of $50-$150 for systems with 16+ SEER ratings. Additional rebates may be available through manufacturer promotions and federal tax credits for high-efficiency systems. We help you claim all available rebates.
Most AC replacements are completed in one day (4-8 hours). We remove your old system, install the new one, evacuate and charge refrigerant, test everything, and clean up completely before we leave.
We install Ruud, Rheem, Carrier, Lennox, Trane, and other major brands. We're not locked into one manufacturer, so we recommend the best system for your budget and needs rather than what earns us the biggest commission.
Get a free estimate for AC replacement. We'll assess your old system, explain your options, and provide upfront pricing with no obligation. We're honest about when replacement makes sense - and when it doesn't.