IS YOUR AC WORTH REPAIRING?HONEST ANSWER FROM A SUMMERVILLE HVAC RESEARCHER
When your AC breaks, every repair company has one answer: "Let me fix it." But sometimes repair is throwing money at a system that's already past its prime. Here's how to know the difference.
THE 5,000 RULE
Multiply your system's age by the repair cost. If the result exceeds $5,000, replacement makes more financial sense.
5 years old × $800 repair = $4,000 → Repair it
10 years old × $600 repair = $6,000 → Consider replacing
15 years old × $500 repair = $7,500 → Replace it
WHEN TO REPAIR (HONESTLY)
System is under 8 years old
Repair cost is under $500
First major repair (not a pattern)
Compressor and coils are still healthy
You're comfortable with your energy bills
WHEN TO REPLACE
System is 10+ years old and needs a repair over $1,000
This is the 2nd or 3rd major repair in recent years
Your energy bills keep climbing (system losing efficiency)
Upstairs rooms are constantly uncomfortable (undersized or worn system)
Using R-22 refrigerant (phased out, expensive to refill)
Repair exceeds 50% of replacement cost
If Replacement Makes Sense...
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