Keep a cool head when deciding whether to repair or replace
Air conditioning replacement isn’t exactly the most cost-friendly home upgrade. And when you’ve got other home improvements to consider, shelling out for a new HVAC system shouldn’t be weighing you down, too. That’s why it’s so important to carefully consider whether you want to repair or replace your AC if you notice issues.
HVACs are one of the most complicated and essential systems in our homes. To avoid further damage or safety risks, always hire a certified HVAC specialist to repair or replace broken parts.
Deciding between air conditioning replacement or repair isn’t always easy. A few key factors can help you in your decision-making process, though. Below we’ve defined some of the common times when you’d repair versus replace an air conditioner, but if you have more specific circumstances, consult an air conditioner installer near you.
| Try to Repair | Consider Replacing |
|---|---|
| Repairs will cost less than $5,000 | Your unit is 10 years old or older |
| The system is less than 10 years old | Repairs will cost more than $5,000 |
| Your warranty covers repairs | The system always has a problem |
| You have an existing maintenance plan | You want a more efficient system (and the tax benefits of one) |
The typical life expectancy of an air conditioner is 10 to 20 years. If it’s well-maintained and serviced at least once per year, your unit can continue performing well for even longer.
As a guide: If your unit is over ten years old, the warranty has expired, you’re experiencing more frequent problems, or the quotes you’ve received for repairs are high, purchasing a new unit may be the better choice. If your AC is less than ten years old, is well-maintained, and has not experienced a major failure, it might be better to repair the unit.
Understanding the average costs involved in air conditioner replacement or repair can help you make an informed choice. Since this can be costly, knowing your options up front is best.
The cost of a new AC unit ranges from $3,900 to $8,000. Factors like type, size, brand, and even the SEER rating can all affect the overall cost. You might have other costs to consider too, like the cost of new ductwork or an extended warranty.
The cost to repair or replace smaller components may be less than a few hundred dollars. Some bigger parts are considerably more expensive to replace, and complex jobs are more labor-intensive.
Detecting and repairing a refrigerant leak, for example, can vary dramatically in price. It may cost less than $200 or end up being a complex job costing over $1,000. The cost to replace the TXV valve in an AC unit typically ranges between $350 and $450.
Other parts are more expensive to replace. For example, replacing an AC compressor costs between $800 and $2,800. Similarly, the cost to replace an evaporator coil averages between $600 and $2,000. With an older system, these types of repairs may have you considering whether a complete AC unit replacement would be more beneficial than replacing each part.
| AC Repair Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Compressor | $800–$2,800 |
| Fan motor | $100–$700 |
| Circuit board | $200–$600 |
| Thermostatic expansion valve | $350–$450 |
| AC leak | $200–$1,600 |
| Evaporator coil | $600–$2,000 |
| Refrigerant recharge | $200–$500 |
Sometimes, it’s just not cost-effective to repair your air conditioner, and a replacement is needed. While it might seem like a costly up front investment, it’s not wise to keep repairing an outdated or malfunctioning AC unit. Look out for these signs when to call a local air conditioning installer to replace your existing unit.
Many air conditioning units over ten years old use R-22 refrigerant. As of 2020, it’s no longer possible to produce this legally in the U.S. Consequently, any remaining supplies cost considerably more than the readily available R-410A refrigerant used in modern units. Not only will this make refrigerant repairs more expensive and potentially challenging, but the product can also contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer in our atmosphere. If you have an older AC unit that uses dated refrigerant, replacing it might be best (and more cost-effective).
Regardless of how well you maintain an older AC unit, it will always be less efficient than a modern system. All air conditioning units have a SEER rating to measure their energy efficiency. AC units from the 1990s required a SEER rating of at least 10. In 2006, this changed to 13, and then 14 in 2015.
Modern, efficient systems typically have a SEER rating above 20.
An improperly sized unit, an incorrect amount of refrigerant, or worn electrical parts can also impact energy efficiency. Purchasing a new, more efficient unit could be a worthwhile long-term investment if you see your energy bills creeping up.
Indoor and outdoor AC units should operate as a set, working together to heat and cool your home. The interior components of each unit need to be compatible with the other in order to operate efficiently. So, if you have a mismatched system, it won’t run as smoothly and is more likely to break down.
If you continually experience issues caused by your mismatched system, it’s worth upgrading one or both units so they can work together.
While replacing your AC unit is an investment, there are several incentives that can make it worth your while. For example, you can receive a federal tax credit for switching to a more advanced and energy-efficient model. You can also research rebates available in your state or municipality that can reduce the overall cost of replacing your outdated AC unit.
If you’re having your home redecorated, you might have decided that an old, rusty-looking unit is too much of an eyesore to keep it—regardless of how well it might operate. There are many types of air conditioners to choose from when thinking about what might work best for your new decor upgrade.
In a perfect world, your air conditioner should last you its entire life span without giving you any problems. But in reality, parts can break or get worn over time. You can take a warranty out on your AC to protect your wallet from unexpected early costs. This is a written assurance that the manufacturer will repair or replace the part if something breaks within the warranty period.
Remember that for your warranty to remain valid, you must follow the terms and conditions listed in the contract. If your AC isn’t working properly and your warranty is expired or invalid, you might consider replacing the unit depending on the severity of the problem.
As with most appliances, certain advances in technology happen over the years. If your AC unit is older and starting to wear out, replacing the unit might be the better option. New changes to the speed, thermostat, and energy efficiency can make newer AC units more cost-effective and convenient to use.
Not every air conditioner is made equal—some are bigger and more powerful than others, while others are perfect for cooling down smaller spaces. Knowing what size air conditioner you need is important to maintain whole-home comfort. If you have an air conditioner that is too small for your home, you’ll notice that it has to run for extended periods to keep up with the demand, which will shorten its life span. Consider replacing your small unit with one that is up to the task.
A quality and efficient new air conditioner is a big investment. So, unless your existing unit is not performing well and you can’t remedy this without significant expense, it often makes more sense to repair it.
Many HVAC pros use the “5,000 rule” as a general guide when deciding if a repair makes sense. Here, you multiply the age of the unit by the repair cost, and if that is less than $5,000, you should consider repairing it. If it exceeds $5,000, it might be better to replace it.
If you have a relatively new AC unit, replacing it with a new one rarely makes financial sense unless the cost of repairs runs into thousands of dollars. To spare your wallet, talk to a local AC repair pro to determine why your newer AC already needs repair—sometimes, it's as simple as a faulty part that might be covered under warranty.
If you’ve had your AC for less than a few years and are only experiencing a one-off breakdown, it’s most likely not a sign that you will need to replace your unit. However, if you’ve had the same unit for over a few years and are experiencing month after month of unexpected breakdowns, you might consult an air conditioner installer near you for a more reliable replacement unit.
There are many ways to tell that your air conditioner isn’t working properly, although they may not seem obvious at first. Below are several common signs that your AC isn’t working as it should. If you experience one or more of these issues, it would be best to consult your local air conditioning installer to help diagnose the source of the problem.
Excessive or increasing noise from your AC or vibrations (squealing, grinding, or grating are common culprits)
An increase in your home’s humidity levels
Frequent breakdowns
A significant increase in your energy bills
Water or refrigerant leaks
Hot air blows out of the unit
The unit doesn’t switch off or won’t turn on
Poor airflow resulting in the unit cooling areas of the home unevenly
Burning smells or moldy odors emanating from the unit
Excessive dust accumulation in your home
You should schedule a full-service AC inspection at least once a year to ensure it works properly. During this time, your local AC repair pro will check:
Safety components, such as carbon monoxide leaks
Cooling components, like coolant levels
Electrical components, such as inspecting fuses and wiring
Complete system services, like flushing the drain line
While you can DIY some aspects, like changing your air filter, it’s imperative that you call in a pro to inspect your AC for you. Your air conditioner has refrigerant that could be hazardous to your health if not handled properly, so it’s best to let a pro with experience take on this job.
While most air conditioners can last between 10 and 20 years, they will only last this long (or longer) if properly taken care of. Routine maintenance and inspections help keep your AC unit running in tip-top shape but understanding what factors will decrease its life span will also help keep your unit running cool.
Some things that shorten your AC’s life span include:
Extreme outdoor conditions, like high humidity or extensive salt spray
Improper installation
Extended run times, either by the unit being too small or the thermostat setting too low
Not performing required maintenance
