AC Repair vs. Replace Calculator
Enter your numbers and get a clear recommendation — with the math behind it.
Quick Answer — the $5,000 Rule
Multiply your repair cost × system age in years. If the result exceeds $5,000, replacement is generally the smarter financial move. This calculator goes further — adding efficiency savings, electricity costs, and payback period to give you a more complete picture.
Enter Your Numbers
Your Current System
Check the unit's nameplate — year is in the serial number
On the yellow EnergyGuide label or unit nameplate
In model number — look for 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 60 ÷ 12
Total repair cost including parts and labor
New Replacement System
Total installed price including equipment and labor
From your contractor's quote or the AHRI directory
Your Electricity Details
Check your electric bill — US average is 17.45¢
Repair vs. Replace — Common Questions
What is the $5,000 Rule for HVAC?
Multiply your repair cost by your system's age in years. If the result exceeds $5,000, replacement is generally the better financial move. Example: a $600 repair on a 10-year-old system = $6,000 → replace. A $600 repair on a 4-year-old system = $2,400 → repair. It's a useful starting point but doesn't account for efficiency savings — use the full calculator above for a more complete picture.
At what age should I stop repairing my AC?
Most HVAC professionals recommend considering replacement when your system is 10–15 years old and facing a significant repair. Under 8 years: almost always repair. Over 15 years with a major repair: almost always replace. 8–15 years: depends on repair cost, efficiency gap, and your electricity rate — which is exactly what this calculator helps you work out.
How much efficiency gain can I expect from a new system?
A typical pre-2006 system runs 10 SEER or less. A typical system from 2006–2022 runs 13–16 SEER. New systems in 2026 start at 13.4 SEER2 (equivalent to ~14 SEER) and go up to 26 SEER2. Upgrading from SEER 10 to SEER2 16 cuts cooling electricity use by 37.5%. At US average rates, that's $300–$500/year in savings depending on your climate and system size.
Should I repair or replace if my compressor failed?
Compressor failure is usually the most expensive repair — often $1,500–$3,000 in parts and labor. On a system under 8 years old with a warranty, repair (or warranty claim). On a system 10+ years old, a compressor failure is almost always the signal to replace — you're spending major money on the most critical component of an aging system, and other components will follow.
What if I'm planning to sell my house?
If you're selling within 1–2 years, the math often favors repair — you won't recoup a full system replacement in sale price, and buyers care more about the system being functional than brand-new. Exception: if the current system is so old or inefficient that it's a selling liability (home inspectors flag systems over 15 years), replacement may help the sale.
Stop Overpaying for Heating & Cooling.
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