Should You Repair or Replace?

The "$5000 rule" on A/C Replacement

Your AC is on the fritz. The house is hot, and you and your family are sweating it. To repair or replace… That is the question most of us will face at some point. You may have heard of the "$5,000 rule"—A simplified way to help homeowners decide whether to repair or replace their AC unit.

We’re here to break down whether this rule of thumb is actually helpful. Basically, if the cost of your AC repairs multiplied by the unit's age exceeds $5,000, you should consider replacing the unit.

Let's say your AC unit is 10 years old, and you're facing a $600 repair.

According to the $5,000 rule: * $600 (repair cost) x 10 (unit age) = $6,000

Since $6,000 is greater than $5,000, the rule suggests replacement might be the better option. The $5,000 rule may provide a quick estimate, but it's not a foolproof formula. It does not account for variables like rebates or incentives for energy-efficient units, the comfort level you desire, or the long-term reliability you expect.

Instead of relying solely on the $5000 rule, consider replacing your unit if:

• Your warranty expired.
• Your product’s age is at life expectancy or older.
• Your product had 3+ repairs in the last 3 years.
• Your product’s performance is generally worse than before.
• You plan to live in your home for 7 years or more.
• Your product is 10+ years old or you want to optimize energy efficiency.

Be sure to consult with a qualified, Air Masters of Tampa Bay expert HVAC technician for the most fair, accurate, honest and experienced opinion. We will help you determine whether repairing your existing unit or investing in a new, energy-efficient model is the best choice for your home and budget.