Repair vs. Replace Your AC
Quick answer
Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?
Multiply the repair quote by the age of the system. If the result is over $5,000, replace it. A 14-year-old condenser needing a $400 capacitor is worth fixing; the same unit needing a $1,200 compressor is not. Systems still using R-22 refrigerant are almost always replacement candidates because the refrigerant alone can cost more than the repair.
Last updated by Art Electric & HVAC · Rockwall, TX
Repair
$180 – $3,400
- Lowest cost today
- Same-day fix in most cases
- Makes sense under 10 years old
- No efficiency gain
- Warranty covers the part only
- Second failure often follows within two seasons
Replace
$6,500 – $13,500
- 30–40% lower electric bill vs. a 10 SEER unit
- 10-year parts & labor warranty
- New refrigerant standard, no R-22 exposure
- Financing available at 0% for 24 months
- Highest upfront cost
- One-day install with the system down
Our recommendation
Under 10 years old and out of warranty: repair. Over 12 years old, R-22, or a compressor/coil failure: replace and take the efficiency gain.