Should You Repair or Replace Your AC?
Honest guidance—no pressure, no sales tactics, just facts to help you decide.
The 50% Rule
If repair costs more than 50% of a new system AND your AC is over 10 years old, replacement usually makes more financial sense.
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Repair or Replace? Find Your Situation
| AC Age | Repair Cost | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 0-5 years | Under $800 | ✅ Repair |
| 0-5 years | Over $1,500 | ⚠️ Check Warranty |
| 6-10 years | Under $500 | ✅ Repair |
| 6-10 years | Over $1,000 | ⚠️ Evaluate Both |
| 11-15 years | Under $400 | ✅ Repair |
| 11-15 years | Over $800 | ❌ Replace |
| 15+ years | Under $300 | ⚠️ Repair (Temporary) |
| 15+ years | Over $600 | ❌ Replace |
Signs That Point to Repair vs Replace
✅ LEAN TOWARD REPAIR IF...
- • AC is under 10 years old
- • This is the first major repair
- • Repair costs less than 50% of replacement
- • System has been well-maintained
- • You need cooling immediately
❌ LEAN TOWARD REPLACE IF...
- • AC is 15+ years old
- • Repair is compressor ($1,500-$3,500)
- • Multiple repairs in past 2 years
- • AC uses R-22 refrigerant (phased out)
- • Energy bills have increased significantly
- • AC struggles to cool on hot days
⚠️ R-22 Refrigerant Warning
If your AC uses R-22 (Freon), which was phased out in 2020, replacement is strongly recommended. R-22 costs $100-$150/lb vs $20-$30 for modern R-410A. Any repair requiring refrigerant will be costly, and supplies are increasingly scarce.
Cost Comparison
Repair
$200-$800
Lower cost, quick fix, preserves current system
Replace
$5,800-$10,000
Full warranty, higher efficiency, 15+ years reliability
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Repair vs Replace FAQ
Should I repair or replace my 15-year-old AC?
At 15 years, your AC is at or past its expected lifespan. For minor repairs under $300, repair to buy time. Over $500, replacement is usually better—new warranty, better efficiency, avoid cascade failures.
How do I know if my AC is worth repairing?
Use the 50% rule: if repair costs more than 50% of new AND AC is over 10 years, replace. Also consider repair history—multiple recent repairs suggest system failure.
Is a compressor worth replacing?
At $1,500-$3,500, usually no on systems 10+ years old. You're putting major money into an aging system. New AC with full warranty makes more sense.
How much does new AC cost vs repair?
Most repairs: $200-$800. New AC: $5,800-$10,000. If repair is $2,000+ on 12-year system, replacement often wins.
My AC uses R-22. Should I replace?
Yes. R-22 was phased out in 2020 and costs $100-$150/lb vs $20-$30 for R-410A. Any refrigerant repair will be costly and supplies are scarce.
Will a new AC lower energy bills?
Yes. Upgrading from 10 SEER (old) to 16 SEER (new) can reduce cooling costs 30-40%—$200-$500/year in Charlotte.
Can I finance a new AC?
Yes! 0% APR financing available through Wells Fargo. Payments as low as From $45/month.
Will you give honest advice?
Absolutely. No sales commissions—our techs are paid for quality, not pushing replacements. If $200 repair fixes it, we'll tell you.
Not Sure What to Do?
Get diagnosis and honest advice. $89 (waived with repair). Options, not pressure.
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