When your AC breaks down on a hot Sonoma County day, the pressure to make a fast decision can lead to the wrong choice. Here’s a simple framework for deciding whether to repair or replace — based on the actual numbers.
The Rule of $5,000
Multiply the age of your system (in years) by the repair cost estimate. If the result is more than $5,000, replacement is usually the smarter financial choice. Examples:
- 10-year-old system, $350 repair = $3,500 → Repair makes sense
- 12-year-old system, $650 repair = $7,800 → Replacement worth considering
- 15-year-old system, $900 repair = $13,500 → Replace
Strong Signals to Replace
- System uses R-22 refrigerant (phased out — very expensive now)
- Compressor failure (usually $800–$2,000+, often not worth it on older systems)
- Multiple major repairs in the last 2 years
- System is 15+ years old and losing efficiency
- Home is uncomfortable despite AC running constantly
Strong Signals to Repair
- System is under 10 years old
- Repair is a simple component (capacitor, contactor — under $300)
- System was recently serviced and is in otherwise good shape
- You plan to sell the home in the next 1–2 years
The Hidden Factor: Energy Efficiency
A 15-year-old 10 SEER unit running on a dying compressor may cost $200/month to run. A new 18 SEER system might cost $100/month. Over 10 years, that’s $12,000 in savings — which can fund the replacement and more.
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