Repair or replace?
Enter the age, the repair quote, the repair history, your bills and your comfort problems. See a starting recommendation, the 50 percent rule, the age-times-cost rule and an expected-life estimate. Free, with no signup.
- Clear verdict
- Two rules of thumb
- Free, no signup
Repair or replace?
A starting point based on common rules of thumb. A technician can give you a firm answer after looking at the equipment.
- Repair vs 50% rule
- Age times repair cost
- Expected life left
- Next step
Five rules worth knowing.
The 50 percent rule
If a repair costs half of a new system, replacement deserves a hard look.
Age times cost
If age multiplied by the repair cost is above about 5,000, many pros suggest replacement.
Repair history
Repeated repairs signal that more are coming.
Efficiency
A new system can use much less electricity than one from fifteen years ago.
Safety and refrigerant
Cracked heat exchangers and older refrigerants change the math.
Get your number
A short visit turns all of this into one written price. Ask for my estimate
Learn more about each option.
Air ConditioningAir Conditioning RepairHot house, cold answers.
Heating and FurnacesFurnace RepairWarm before the pipes get cold.
Heat Pumps and Mini-SplitsHeat Pump RepairBoth seasons covered by one machine.
Air ConditioningAC Installation and ReplacementComfort that is engineered, not guessed.
Heating and FurnacesFurnace Installation and ReplacementWarm, efficient and installed to code.
Maintenance, Emergency and PlanningFree HVAC EstimatesKnow the number before you decide.Repair or replace questions
How do I know whether to repair or replace my system?
Look at age, repair cost, repair history, energy bills and comfort. A common rule is to consider replacement when a repair costs about half of a new system, or when age times repair cost is above roughly 5,000. Our Repair or Replace tool gives a starting read.
How much does a new air conditioner or furnace cost?
Commonly published installed prices run roughly $5,000 to $12,000 for a central air conditioner, $3,800 to $10,000 for a furnace and $5,000 to $13,000 for a heat pump, depending on size, efficiency and the work needed. Our Savings Calculator and System Sizer give a first view, and a free estimate gives you a written price.
What size system does my home need?
It depends on the home's size, insulation, windows, sun exposure and ducts, not just square footage. A rough rule is about one ton of cooling per 500 to 600 square feet, and our System Sizer gives a first estimate. A load calculation confirms it.
Want a second opinion?
A technician will check the equipment and give you an honest repair or replace recommendation, with prices for each.