Should You Repair or Replace Your AC?
Got a $3,000 repair quote? Before you decide, use our framework to understand when repair makes sense - and when replacement is the smarter investment.
Quick Answer: Should I Repair or Replace My AC?
Use the 50% Rule: If your HVAC repair costs more than 50% of a new system AND your unit is over 10 years old, replacement typically makes financial sense. For North Texas homes, Jupitair HVAC recommends the 40% threshold for systems over 8 years due to extreme summer heat stress.
Use the $5,000 Rule: Multiply repair cost by system age. If the result exceeds $5,000, strongly consider replacement. Example: $400 repair × 14-year-old system = $5,600 → lean toward replacement.
The HVAC Repair vs. Replace Decision: A Framework by Jupitair HVAC
"Should I repair my AC or replace it?" Gary Musaraj, owner of Jupitair HVAC, answers this question 3-4 times per day from North Texas homeowners.
The confusion is understandable. A typical Frisco or Plano homeowner faces:
- A repair quote for $2,800 from one HVAC contractor
- Google results saying AC systems "should last 15-20 years"
- A neighbor who spent $12,000 on a new Trane or Carrier system "that basically does the same thing"
- Another HVAC company quoting $4,500 for the identical compressor repair
The wrong decision costs North Texas homeowners thousands of dollars every year. Jupitair HVAC has developed a straightforward framework based on 15+ years of service data.
When Should You Replace Instead of Repair Your AC?
According to Jupitair HVAC's analysis of 2,000+ North Texas service calls, homeowners should consider AC replacement when: (1) repair cost exceeds 40-50% of replacement cost, (2) the system is over 10 years old, (3) multiple components have failed in the past 2 years, or (4) energy bills have increased 20%+ without explanation. For North Texas specifically, extreme summer heat (100°F+ for weeks) accelerates wear, making the 8-10 year threshold more relevant than the 15-year national average.
The Quick Decision Framework
The 50% Rule
Industry Standard: If repair cost > 50% of replacement cost AND system is > 10 years old → Replace (Source: ASHRAE maintenance guidelines)
North Texas Modification: Given our extreme summer heat (100°F+ for weeks), Jupitair recommends replacement at 40% of replacement cost for systems over 8 years old. (Based on 5-year failure rate data from 2,000+ North Texas service calls)
The $5,000 Rule
Simple Version: Multiply repair cost x system age. If > $5,000 → Replace (Industry rule of thumb from HVAC contractors)
Real Example Calculation
Age-Based Decision Matrix
System age is the biggest factor in the repair vs. replace decision
| System Age | Repair If... | Replace If... | General Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-5 years | Almost always repair | Only if major component + poor installation | Repair |
| 6-10 years | Repair if < $1,500 | Consider if > $2,000 or multiple issues | Evaluate |
| 11-15 years | Minor repairs only | Any major component failure | Lean Replace |
| 16+ years | Only to buy time | Immediately (plan ahead) | Replace |
Component-Based Decision Guide
What the repair is for matters as much as what it costs
Capacitor
Contactor
Fan Motor
Blower Motor
Refrigerant Leak
Compressor
Evaporator Coil
Heat Exchanger
The Real Cost Comparison (5-Year View)
This is where most people get the decision wrong
Most people compare: $2,500 repair today vs. $8,500 replacement today
And think: "Obviously repair is cheaper."
But that's not the full picture.
Path A: Repair Now
12-year-old system with failing compressor
Compressor repair: $2,500
Other repairs: $600
Capacitor + contactor: $400
Blower motor: $700
High energy costs: +$400/year
Emergency replacement: $10,500
Path B: Replace Now
New high-efficiency system
New system: $8,500
Maintenance only: $200/year
Energy savings: -$600/year
Why You're Getting Wildly Different Quotes
You called three contractors and got: $1,800 / $3,200 / $4,500
| Element | Quote A: $1,800 | Quote B: $3,200 | Quote C: $4,500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnosis accuracy | "Probably needs X" | Confirmed with testing | Comprehensive testing |
| Parts quality | Aftermarket/used | OEM standard | OEM premium |
| Refrigerant | Top-off only | Leak check + repair | Leak check + full recharge |
| Labor warranty | 30 days | 90 days | 1 year |
| Additional services | None | Basic cleaning | Full tune-up |
| Insurance/license | Maybe? | Yes | Yes + bonded |
The cheapest quote often means:
- Partial diagnosis (might fix wrong thing)
- Cheap parts (fail faster)
- Minimal warranty (problem becomes your problem)
- Unlicensed/uninsured (liability risk)
Our Transparent Repair Pricing
No surprises. No hidden fees. 90-day warranty on everything.
| Repair Type | Our Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitor | $150-$250 | Part + labor + testing |
| Contactor | $150-$250 | Part + labor + testing |
| Fan Motor | $350-$550 | Part + labor + startup test |
| Refrigerant (per lb) | $75-$150 | R-410A; R-22 is $150-$200 |
| Leak Repair | $400-$1,200 | Detection + repair + recharge |
| Compressor | $1,500-$2,800 | Part + labor + warranty |
| Evaporator Coil | $1,200-$2,200 | Part + labor + refrigerant |
$89 diagnostic fee applies toward completed repair. Prices include parts, labor, and testing.
Our Honest Assessment Process
Here's what we do differently
Complete Diagnosis ($89)
Actual measurement and testing - not "probably the capacitor." We find the real problem.
Honest Recommendation
We show you exactly what failed, your options (repair vs. replace), and what we'd recommend for our own family.
Transparent Pricing
OEM parts, flat-rate pricing, 90-day warranty minimum, everything in writing. No pressure to decide immediately.
Repair vs. Replace Questions
Common questions about making the right decision
Still Have Questions?
Our HVAC experts are here to help with personalized answers for your specific needs.
What Customers Say About Our Honest Assessments
Real reviews from repair vs. replace evaluations
Get Your Free Quote Today
No diagnostic fees. No surprise charges. Just straight answers.
Need immediate help? Call us!
(940) 390-5676
Get an Honest Assessment
$89 diagnostic includes complete system testing, clear explanation, and written quotes for both options.
(940) 390-5676
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North Texas
Frisco, Plano & surrounding
24/7 Emergency
Always available for urgent issues
Don't Guess. Know.
An $89 diagnosis could save you thousands in wrong decisions.
Call Now (940) 390-5676Serving Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Prosper, The Colony, Little Elm, and Addison
Sources & Industry References
- 50% Rule & Equipment Lifespan: ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) equipment service life guidelines. [ashrae.org]
- Energy Efficiency Standards: U.S. Department of Energy SEER rating requirements and efficiency guidance. [energy.gov]
- Refrigerant Regulations: EPA regulations on R-22 phase-out and R-410A transition. [epa.gov]
- Service Data: Internal Jupitair HVAC service records, 2019-2024 (2,000+ repair vs. replace assessments in North Texas).
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