Repair or Replace
Your HVAC System?

When to Repair vs Replace Your HVAC

The decision to repair or replace comes down to four factors: system age, repair cost relative to replacement cost, energy efficiency, and reliability history. Our calculator weighs all four to give you a data-driven recommendation.

The $5,000 Rule

A common industry guideline: multiply the system's age by the repair cost. If the result exceeds $5,000, replace. For example, a 12-year-old system needing a $500 repair (12 × $500 = $6,000) leans toward replacement.

Energy Savings Add Up

Upgrading from a 10 SEER system to a 16 SEER system reduces cooling costs by 37%. On a $300/month summer bill, that's over $1,300/year in savings. Over 10-15 years, efficiency gains alone can pay for the new system.

Common Expensive Repairs

Some repairs are clear replacement triggers: compressor failure ($2,000-$3,500), refrigerant leak in the evaporator coil ($1,500-$2,500), or heat exchanger crack ($2,000-$3,000). Smaller repairs like a capacitor ($50-$150), contactor ($80-$200), or fan motor ($150-$400) are usually worth fixing.