You should generally repair an AC if the system is under 10 years old and the repair costs less than half the price of a new system. Replace the AC if it’s 12+ years old, uses phased-out R-22 refrigerant, has a failed compressor, or has needed two or more major repairs in the last two seasons.

The 50% rule of thumb

  • Multiply the system’s age by the repair cost
  • If the result exceeds the price of a new system, replace it
  • Always replace any system using R-22 refrigerant
  • Replace if you’ve had 2+ major repairs in the last two seasons
  • Replace if SEER2 is below 13 — efficiency gains will pay back fast

We give honest, no-pressure advice — sometimes the right call is a $300 repair, sometimes it’s a new system. Get a diagnostic through AC repair or a replacement quote via AC installation. Financing is available on replacements.