Should I Repair My AC or Replace It?

The rule: the $5,000 Rule.

Multiply the repair quote by the age of your AC in years. If the answer is over $5,000, replace the unit. Under $5,000, repair it.

An $800 compressor repair on an 11-year-old unit scores 8,800 — that is most of the way to a new system, on a unit with maybe 3 summers left. The same $800 on a 4-year-old unit scores 3,200, and it is a clear repair. The rule keeps you from pouring new-system money into an old-system body.

Central AC units last about 12 to 15 years. At 15 or older, replace it regardless of the repair bill — efficiency standards have improved a lot, and a new unit can cut cooling costs noticeably. One tiebreaker: if your old unit runs on R-22 refrigerant, lean replace. R-22 was phased out, so recharges are expensive and getting harder to find.

Educational estimate only. Based on YOUR repair quote, cost of new AC unit installed, and age of your AC unit in years you enter. Uses $5,000 Rule: Repair Quote × AC Age. Over $5,000 = replace, under $5,000 and unit under 15 years = repair. 15 or older = replace regardless. If unit runs on phased-out R-22 refrigerant, lean replace. Ignores brand, warranty, labor rates, energy efficiency savings. Not HVAC advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the $5,000 rule for AC units?

Multiply the repair quote by the age of your AC in years. If the answer is over $5,000, replace the unit. Under $5,000, repair it.

When should I replace instead of repairing?

If repair quote × AC age is over $5,000, or the unit is 15+ years old, replace it. Central AC units last about 12 to 15 years.

What if my unit uses R-22 refrigerant?

If your old unit runs on R-22 refrigerant, lean replace — R-22 was phased out, so recharges are expensive and getting harder to find.

When should I ignore this rule and talk to a professional?

This is educational only, not professional advice — get quotes from licensed, reputable contractors.

Not quite your situation?

Try one of these decisions instead:

• Should I Repair My Furnace or Replace It?
• Should I Repair My Windows or Replace Them?
• Should I Repair My Water Heater or Replace It?