Should I Repair or Replace?
Choosing to repair or replace can depend a lot on your situation. Make the decision easier by using the $5,000 rule tool for a quick recommendation or dig deeper with our checklist guide.
Safety first! Certain damage to your system can be deadly, like a carbon monoxide or gas leak. In these situations, the only choice is to replace your system. You can help stop emergencies from happening with routine checkups from an HVAC technician.
Try out the $5,000 rule
Every industry has a few useful tricks. When it comes to HVAC, the $5,000 rule is a helpful way to figure out whether you should repair or replace. Multiply your system’s age by your repair estimate. Repair if the number you get is under $5,000, and replace if it’s over $5,000.
How old is my system?
- Look for a nameplate, metal tag, or sticker on your unit
- Once you find it, look for the MFG Date. This date says when your unit was manufactured. Your unit’s age is the difference between that date and today’s date.
- Don’t see an MFG DATE? While not all units show the MFG Date, you can still find the age using this information about your unit:
- brand name
- model of the unit
- serial number
- Take note of this information then call your dealer. They can decode this information.
- You can also decode the age yourself from the serial number! Look up online the code system specific to your brand and model, then follow that system to discover your unit’s age.
How do I get a repair estimate?
A dealer can give you a repair estimate. Give your dealer a call and they’ll come by to check out your unit. Your dealer can figure out what’s wrong with your unit, then give you a quote for the repair cost.
Use this cost as your repair estimate in the tool.
Find a dealer
Disclaimer: This information is provided as a general guideline only. Consult a licensed HVAC professional to help ensure that you are making the best decisions about your equipment.
Safety first! Certain damage to your system can be deadly, like a carbon monoxide or gas leak. In these situations, the only choice is to replace your system. You can help stop emergencies from happening with routine checkups from an HVAC technician.
What are my next steps?
Step 1
Figure out your needs
What makes your home comfortable?
Choose a product that fits your climate, home temperature, energy use, and more.
Step 2
Get a quote
A dealer can visit your home and give you a custom quote and recommendation. Find a dealer near you with our Dealer Locator.
Step 3
Fix or buy, then enjoy!
Once you decide on your best option, talk with a dealer to fix or buy your HVAC system. Now you can breathe easy and enjoy!
Not sure whether to repair or replace?
We can help!
Read through these two lists and make a note of which points apply to you and your system. Whichever list has
more statements that apply to you, that’s the action you may want to take.
Repair if...
You have an active warranty. Your repairs may be covered.
Replace if...
You have an expired warranty. Your product is no longer covered for any repairs.
Critical
Your product uses R-22 Freon. This refrigerant is harmful to the ozone layer and is being phased out.
Why is R-22 refrigerant phased out?
R-22 refrigerant harms the environment by depleting the ozone. Back in 2010, EPA banned production of HVAC systems that used R-22. In 2020, EPA also made R-22 illegal to produce or import.
Your HVAC most likely uses R-22 if it’s from 2010 or earlier. Due to the phase out, R-22 is very difficult and expensive to replace if it leaks or has any issues. We recommend replacing your system if it still uses R-22.
Keep the Getting Started section as is, as well as the Owner’s Manual, Troubleshooting, and Maintenance sections.
Owner’s Manual
Learn everything you need to know about your product.
Troubleshooting
Discover what you can do to troubleshoot from home.
Maintenance
Maintain your system with our easy tips.
HVAC Repair and Replacement FAQs
We’re here to help
Connect with our Customer Care team about your products, warranties, and dealer concerns.
Available Monday – Friday from 7am to 5pm CST
A phone
Contact a local dealer
Dealers can answer questions, help you find the right products for your home, and repair your system.