Should I repair my fifteen year old AC unit or replace it

A fifteen year old unit is past typical lifespan. Most air conditioners last twelve to fifteen years with regular maintenance. At this age, refrigerant costs rise because older systems use R-22 refrigerant which is being phased out and very expensive. Parts are harder to find and repair labor costs add up quickly.

The repair cost threshold

Calculate whether a repair makes sense by comparing the quote to fifty percent of a new system cost. If the repair bill is half or more of replacement cost, choose replacement. A single failed compressor or condenser fan motor on an old system often exceeds this threshold. Factor in that repairs now do not extend life much, so another failure is likely within a year or two.

Consider efficiency gains

Newer systems use R-410A or R-32 refrigerant, which is more efficient and cheaper to service. A new unit will cool your home with less energy use, lowering summer bills by ten to twenty percent compared to a fifteen year old system. If you plan to stay in your home more than five years, replacement usually saves money overall despite the larger upfront cost. See our guide on HVAC replacement budgets for current pricing expectations.