10 real signs your AC is done
Your unit is 12+ years old
In San Antonio heat, ACs run 12+ hours a day for 7 months. A 12-year-old unit here is the equivalent of a 17-year-old in cooler climates. Past 12, you're on borrowed time.
Electric bills jumped 30%+
Without a rate increase. AC efficiency drops gradually as compressors weaken and coils get dirty inside. A struggling 10-year-old 13 SEER unit can use 40% more electricity than a new 16 SEER.
It can't keep up on 95°+ days
If your thermostat says 78° but the room reads 84° in the afternoon, the system is undersized, dying, or both. Healthy AC should hit setpoint within a 20° outdoor differential.
You've had 2+ major repairs in 2 years
Major = $800+. Once compressor, coil, or board failures stack up, the rest of the system is usually right behind. Stop pouring money into a sinking ship.
It uses R-22 (Freon)
R-22 was banned in 2020. Leaks now cost 5–10x more to recharge. If your tag says R-22, any refrigerant repair tips replacement math heavily.
Ice on the refrigerant lines
Frequent freezing means low refrigerant (leak), failing TXV, or a dying compressor. One freeze = repair. Multiple freezes on an older unit = replace.
Loud grinding, screeching, or banging
Compressor death rattle. Sometimes it's a fan motor. Sometimes it's a failed compressor — and on a 10+ year unit, a full system replacement usually costs less per month financed than the compressor repair. Get both quotes in parallel before you decide.
Short-cycling (on/off every few minutes)
Could be a thermostat or a capacitor — small repair. Could also be an oversized or failing compressor — replacement conversation. Get a real diagnostic before assuming the worst.
Humidity feels off — sticky inside
ACs that can't dehumidify properly often have failing TXVs, undersized coils, or compressors losing capacity. A common end-of-life symptom.
Hot and cold spots room-to-room
Sometimes ductwork. Sometimes the system has lost the capacity to push air evenly. Modern variable-speed systems eliminate this — old single-stage units rarely come back.
3 things that aren't signs (don't fall for these)
It made one weird noise
Could be a leaf, a loose panel, a stuck fan. Doesn't mean replacement. Get it looked at first.
It's 8 years old
8 years is still mid-life. Unless multiple major repairs have stacked up, repair and ride it out.
A salesman told you so
Free-estimate guys make commission on replacements. Always get a second opinion before committing. Easiest second opinion: text the quote to Clint at (210) 600-5091 and we'll tell you straight if the number — and the diagnosis — actually make sense.
Not sure where your AC stands?
Text Clint the model number off your outdoor unit and a description of what's happening. He'll tell you straight if it's a repair or a replacement conversation — no sales pitch.