Repair vs. Replace: When Does It Make Sense to Get a New HVAC System?
True North Comfort SolutionsFounder, True North Comfort SolutionsJanuary 15, 20267 min read
The Age Factor
The repair-vs-replace question is one of the most common dilemmas homeowners face. There's no universal answer, but there are clear signals that can help you make an informed decision.
The 50% Rule
As a general rule, if your system is over 15 years old and needs a major repair, replacement is usually the smarter financial decision. Systems lose efficiency as they age, and a new high-efficiency unit can offset its cost through lower energy bills.
Efficiency and Energy Bills
The 50% rule is a practical guideline: if the repair cost is more than 50% of the value of your current system, replacement typically makes more financial sense. Factor in the age of the system too -- the older it is, the lower that threshold should be.
Comfort and Reliability
Sometimes the numbers say repair but your daily experience says replace. If your home has rooms that are always too hot or too cold, if your system runs constantly without reaching the set temperature, or if your energy bills have been steadily climbing, a new properly-sized system may be the better investment.
Making the Decision
The best approach is to get an honest assessment from a company that isn't incentivized to push replacements. At True North, our technicians aren't paid on commission. We'll give you the honest truth about your system's condition and help you weigh the costs of both options.
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