Your system
Suggested starting point
–
The $5,000 rule, and its limits
Multiply the system's age by the repair quote. If the result is above about $5,000, replacement usually deserves a serious look; below it, repair is usually the better value. It is a rule of thumb, not a law, and it ignores some important things:
- Expected life. Central ACs and heat pumps commonly last around 12–17 years; gas furnaces often 15–25.
- Refrigerant. R-22 production and import ended in the US in 2020, so recharging an old R-22 system means using reclaimed or stockpiled refrigerant, which is expensive.
- Warranty. A compressor failure on a 6-year-old unit may be covered for parts; check before deciding.
- Matched systems. Replacing only the outdoor unit on an older system can cut efficiency and void warranties.
About our numbers: price ranges on this site are rounded national planning figures drawn from published cost guides and typical contractor pricing. They are illustrative, not quotes. Region, season, equipment brand, efficiency, ductwork and access can move a real price well outside them.
