WA Lic. INFINHA841B8 400+ Google reviews
Quick answer
- If your system still uses R-22 refrigerant, any major repair is a strong signal to replace — R-22 production has been phased down and it gets more expensive and harder to source every year.
- A failed compressor on a unit over 10 years old is almost always a replace, not a repair — the compressor is the single most expensive part in the system.
- Capacitor, contactor, and fan motor repairs are routine and worth doing on equipment of nearly any age.
- A system that's constantly low on refrigerant has a leak somewhere in the coil — that's a repair-cost spiral, not a one-time fix.
Check the refrigerant type first
R-22 systems are generally 2010 or earlier; R-410A became the standard after that, with newer A2L refrigerants now entering the market. R-22 supply has been shrinking for years under phase-down regulations, so repairs involving a recharge get progressively more expensive as availability drops.
What a 'routine' repair looks like
Capacitor failures, contactor issues, fan motor replacement, and low-voltage control problems are common, inexpensive fixes that don't point to systemic failure — worth doing on equipment of almost any reasonable age.
What a 'stop and think' repair looks like
A failed compressor, an evaporator coil leak repair approaching a meaningful fraction of replacement cost, or refrigerant leaks that keep recurring after a repair are the signals that a straight repair may not be the better spend.
Cooling age vs. the rest of the system
If the AC or heat pump's cooling side is failing but the furnace or air handler is newer and compatible, replacement gets more nuanced — worth having someone actually look at both halves together rather than quoting the outdoor unit in isolation.
Where this decision goes wrong
Repeatedly recharging a leaking system
Topping off refrigerant on a system with an active coil leak treats the symptom every summer and never fixes the leak. The costs compound over seasons, and it's worth finding the leak the first time rather than the third.
Replacing the outdoor unit alone on a mismatched system
Swapping just the condenser without checking the indoor coil, air handler, and refrigerant compatibility creates a mismatched system that underperforms its rating and can void manufacturer warranty coverage on the new equipment.
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Family owned · WA Lic. INFINHA841B8 · 400+ Google reviews
Common questions
My AC just needs a recharge — isn't that the cheap fix?
A recharge without finding and fixing the underlying leak is a repeat expense disguised as a one-time repair. We always look for the leak first rather than just topping off refrigerant.
Is R-22 illegal to use now?
R-22 isn't illegal to use, but U.S. production and import have been phased down for years, so it's increasingly expensive and can be hard to source. That scarcity — not a legal ban on your existing equipment — is the real cost driver.
Can I replace only the outdoor condenser and keep the rest?
Only if the indoor coil and air handler are compatible with the new unit's refrigerant and airflow. We check that compatibility before quoting either a full or partial replacement.
Does replacing my AC mean I need a new furnace too?
Not necessarily — if your existing furnace or air handler is in good shape and compatible, we can pair a new outdoor unit with it. We'll tell you plainly if it isn't a good match rather than upselling a full system.
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Infinity Heating & Air — licensed WA HVAC contractor (Lic. INFINHA841B8), family-owned in Graham. Last updated 2026-07-14.