24/7 + HVAC + HOT WATER = McCORRY COMFORT
Old AC finally done? McCorry Comfort replaces central air systems, ductless mini-splits, and heat pumps throughout Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Bucks County, and Delaware County. We'll tell you honestly whether repair or replacement makes more sense — then do the job right.
Average central AC lifespan is 15–20 years in the Philadelphia area. After 15 years, efficiency drops and repair frequency increases. At 20 years, you're on borrowed time.
R-22 (Freon) was banned in 2020. It's no longer manufactured — only recycled. A system that needs an R-22 recharge is expensive to maintain and worth replacing with a modern R-410A or R-32 system.
If a repair is going to cost 50% or more of what a replacement costs, the math usually favors replacement — especially on an older system. We'll do this math with you, honestly.
One repair is maintenance. Two or three repairs in a few years is a pattern. When parts start failing in sequence, the rest of the system is usually close behind.
Aging AC systems lose efficiency — SEER ratings degrade as compressors wear. A modern 18–20 SEER system can cut cooling costs by 30–40% vs a 10-year-old system.
If some rooms are hot and others are cold, or the system runs constantly but never reaches setpoint, it may be undersized, have duct problems, or be at end of life.
We don't push replacements when a repair will solve the problem. Here's the framework we use — the same one we'd apply if it were our own home.
| Factor | Lean Repair | Lean Replace |
|---|---|---|
| System age | Under 10 years | Over 15 years |
| Refrigerant type | R-410A (current) | R-22 (banned, costly) |
| Repair cost vs replacement | Less than 30% | More than 50% |
| Repair history | First or second repair | Third+ repair in 3 years |
| Current efficiency rating | 14+ SEER, performing well | Under 12 SEER or degraded |
| Comfort complaints | None — just a component failure | Uneven cooling, can't keep up |
Not sure where your system falls? Call (215) 379-2800 — we'll assess it and give you a straight answer.
"Our 19-year-old AC finally gave out in July. McCorry gave us a straight repair vs replace assessment — repair would have cost nearly as much as a new unit at that age. New Carrier unit was installed the next day. House is cooler and our electric bill dropped noticeably."
"They told me the repair was worth doing on my 9-year-old unit — didn't try to upsell me on a replacement. That's the kind of honest advice that earns repeat business. Fast, professional, reasonably priced."
"Replaced our aging central air and furnace at the same time. McCorry handled everything in two days. Clean work, great communication, and they hauled everything away. Nothing left behind."
Replace if: system is over 15 years old, uses R-22 refrigerant, repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement cost, or you've had multiple repairs in the past few years. We'll walk you through the math when we assess it.
Most central AC replacements take one day. Full system replacements (AC + furnace) typically take 1–2 days. We haul away all old equipment as part of every job.
Not always, but if your furnace is also aging, doing both at the same time saves on labor and ensures the system is matched for optimal efficiency. We'll give you an honest recommendation based on your equipment's condition.
In most cases, yes. We inspect ductwork during our assessment and flag any issues. Leaky or undersized ducts reduce efficiency — worth addressing if present.
Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Mitsubishi, Daikin, and York. We match the right brand and model to your home — not to our margin. See our full installation page →
