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AC Repair vs. Replacement Cost Estimator
Use the industry-standard $5,000 rule to calculate whether you should fix your broken AC or replace it entirely.
When the compressor dies on a 90-degree day, panic buying costs you thousands. Run the objective math before signing an HVAC contract.
Run Your Own Simulation
Adjust the inputs below. Results update instantly. No signup, no data saved — everything runs in your browser.
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Stop Emotionally Throwing Money at Dead AC Units
When an AC breaks, contractors will flood your inbox. Some want a quick $800 capacitor fix, others aggressively push a $12,000 full-system swap. Who do you trust?
How to use this calculator
- Enter the total quoted cost to repair the unit.
- Enter the exact age of the equipment in years.
- Our calculator applies two golden HVAC rules:
- The 50% Rule: If the repair costs more than half of a brand-new unit, always replace it.
- The 5k Multiplier: If (Age x Repair Cost) > 5000, replace it.
Remove the high-pressure sales tactics and let cold, hard math dictate your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Multiply the age of your equipment by the estimated cost of repair. If the number exceeds 5,000, you should replace the unit. If it is less, you should proceed with the repair.
It is legal to use, but illegal to manufacture or import. Therefore, if an old R-22 unit develops a massive leak, the cost to recharge it is so astronomically high that you are almost always forced to replace.
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